Merab Dvalishvili dominates Sandhagen at UFC 320

Merab Dvalishvili dominated and confidently outpointed Cory Sandhagen at UFC 320, with the Georgian defending his championship belt.

Merab Dvalishvili and Cory Sandhagen met in the second fight of the evening at UFC 320 in Las Vegas. The duel was contracted for five rounds, and at stake was the UFC championship belt in the bantamweight division.

The reigning champion was a big favorite for the clash with the American. Both experts and other fighters in the UFC organization pointed to the Georgian as the winner of the skirmish. Dvalishvili also predicted a win and a successful defense of his belt.

Cory Sandhagen hit several times with a quick left hook in the first minute of the fight. The American tried to use the distance to surprise the champion. Merab also tried to hit, however, he moved with wrestling action and the fighters entered a clinch. Dvalishvili worked to get an overthrow which he succeeded in, however Sandhagen quickly got up. Good kickboxing action from the American, who hit with both fists and low kicks. A bit of dirty boxing in the clinch by Merab. Another accurate action by Sandhagen, who hit hard with a knee.

Merab Dvalishvili quickly went to the clinch and wrestled. Sandhagen allowed himself to be brought down, however, he again got up very quickly. Breaking the clinch and Cory’s kickboxing actions. Good charge by Dvalishvili, who moved with a series of punches, with which he violated Sandhagen. Merab is very close to finishing his rival and showered him with more punches under the net on the first floor. Sandhagen managed to survive and again defends himself in the stand-up. Successfully bringing down the champion, who nicely cut his opponent and continues the onslaught with punches. After returning to the stand-up, another pull to the first floor. But how Merab torments the American.

Sandhagen began the third round actively looking to take Merab’s space and dictate the pace of the action. Dvalishvili, however, cleverly shortened the distance and moved on to what he does best. Sandhagen was able to defend himself and proceeded to keep the champion at bay. The challenger attempted long straight attacks. Although the American doesn’t look bad in this fight, the difference is made by Merab’s extremely dynamic entrances, who, catching the pretender, quickly cuts him out and throws him to the mat. Another successful pull to the ground from the Georgian.

In the fourth installment, almost the entire first minute was standup, however there was little action from either side. Dvalishvili transitioned, therefore, to wrestling. After breaking the clinch, the fighters calmly exchanged blows and Merab fired a good high kick. Another portion of knees in close quarters, wrestling under the net, however, there was a breakup and Sandhagen went on the offensive. The American hit back with both kicks and punches. Merab, however, controlled the situation with a great overthrow and kept his rival on the mat until the end of the round.

Fantastic dynamic import at the beginning of the final fifth round. Merab, however, does not forcefully keep Sandhagen on the mat. Unsurprisingly, it’s Dvalishvili who hits more accurately and more often which only makes it easier for him to take the fight to the ground again. Sandhagen brings out a good spin on Merab’s body. Good timing and nice exchange of punches in the standup. A solid finish, but the win is sure to fall to the champion, who will thus defend the belt. Merab Dvalishvili defeated Cory Sandhagen by unanimous decision of the judges.