Cory Sandhagen Will Shock the World And Defeat Merab Dvalishvili – Bold Prediction from UFC Title Conteder

Former UFC welterweight Dan Hardy has delivered a bold prediction ahead of the upcoming bantamweight title fight at UFC 320, stating that Cory Sandhagen possesses the skills necessary to upset champion Merab Dvalishvili. In a recent interview with The Schmo, Hardy provided detailed analysis explaining why he believes the challenger can solve the puzzle that has stumped numerous top contenders.

Hardy highlighted Sandhagen’s exceptional problem-solving abilities during fights as a key factor in his potential success. “Sandhagen’s one of my favorite fighters to watch. He’s a very, very good problem solver in the moment. He’s good at reading what’s in front of him and adapting his technique,” Hardy explained.

“Sanhagen’s one of my favorite fighters to watch. He’s a very, very good problem solver in the moment. He’s good at reading what’s in front of him and adapting his technique… And the thing with Merab because he’s got a very high pace, he keeps going constantly, so there’s almost like a subconscious motor that’s running. That subconscious motor can be a little bit predictable. So someone like Sandhagen’s going to see rhythms… I’m expecting knees and uppercuts and damaging things up the center channel and elbows on the inside.

“I love Merab, but I just feel like his constant work rate can sometimes get him in trouble. And someone as smart as Sandhagen that’s got the tools in the bag in every single range – I think he might cause the upset.”

The former UFC fighter and current analyst pointed to a specific example of Sandhagen’s adaptability, referencing the fighter’s knockout victory over Marlon Moraes. Hardy noted how Sandhagen set up his opponent with back kicks before switching to the head kick that ended the fight, demonstrating his ability to adapt mid-fight.

Analyzing Merab Dvalishvili’s Patterns

Hardy’s analysis focused on what he perceives as a potential weakness in the champion’s approach. Dvalishvili, known for his relentless pace and constant forward pressure, operates with what Hardy described as a “subconscious motor” that maintains a high work rate throughout fights.

“The thing with Merab because he’s got a very high pace, he keeps going constantly, so there’s almost like a subconscious motor that’s running. That subconscious motor can be a little bit predictable,” Hardy explained.

This consistent motor, while effective in overwhelming opponents with volume, creates patterns that a cerebral fighter like Sandhagen can identify and exploit. Hardy believes Cory Sandhagen’s fight intelligence will allow him to recognize these rhythms and set traps accordingly.

Cory Sandhagen’s Strategic Advantages

The challenger brings several attributes that could prove problematic for Dvalishvili’s pressure-heavy style. Cory Sandhagen stands 5’11” with a 70-inch reach, giving him significant length advantages in the bantamweight division. His striking arsenal incorporates elements from Muay Thai, kickboxing, and traditional boxing, creating unpredictable attack patterns.

Cory Sandhagen’s footwork and movement represent another crucial element in Hardy’s analysis. The fighter constantly moves around the octagon, controlling distance and pace while using angles to create openings for his strikes. This mobility could prove essential in managing Dvalishvili’s relentless forward pressure.

The challenger’s ability to switch stances seamlessly adds another layer of complexity for opponents to navigate. Hardy noted that this versatility allows Sandhagen to attack from different angles and keep opponents guessing about his next move.

Expected Fight Dynamics

Hardy anticipates that Sandhagen will target specific openings created by Dvalishvili’s constant forward movement. “So someone like Sandhagen’s going to see rhythms. Maybe he pops his head in a particular way at a particular time each time or every time he throws one shot, he’s going to do us something afterwards,” Hardy explained.

The analyst expects Sandhagen to capitalize on these patterns with precise striking up the middle. “I’m expecting knees and uppercuts and damaging things up the center channel and elbows on the inside,” Hardy predicted.

This approach would target the openings created when Dvalishvili commits to his forward pressure and wrestling attempts. Sandhagen’s accuracy and timing could allow him to land significant damage during these moments of vulnerability.

Champion’s Strengths and Challenges

Merab Dvalishvili brings a 20-4 record and an 11-fight winning streak to the October 4 encounter at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The Georgian champion has established himself as one of the most dominant wrestlers in the division, setting UFC records for takedown attempts and leading the bantamweight division in total strikes landed.

His cardio and relentless pace have proven effective against elite competition, including former champions Sean O’Malley, Henry Cejudo, and Petr Yan. Dvalishvili’s approach centers on chain wrestling, clinch pressure, and volume that forces opponents to fight at his preferred tempo.

However, his relatively low finish rate of 8.3 percent suggests that while he dominates fights, he rarely puts opponents away definitively. This could provide Sandhagen with opportunities to stay competitive throughout the championship rounds.

Hardy’s Confidence in the Upset

Despite acknowledging Dvalishvili’s strengths, Hardy expressed confidence in Cory Sandhagen’s ability to spring the upset. “I love Merab, but I just feel like his constant work rate can sometimes get him in trouble. And someone as smart as Sandhagen that’s got the tools in the bag in every single range, I think he might cause the upset,” Hardy concluded.

The prediction represents a significant vote of confidence for a challenger who has previously fallen short in title eliminator fights against top contenders. Sandhagen most recently suffered a decision loss to Umar Nurmagomedov but bounced back with a TKO victory over former two-division champion Deiveson Figueiredo.

UFC 320 takes place on October 4, 2025, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, with the Dvalishvili-Sandhagen title fight serving as the co-main event beneath the light heavyweight championship rematch between Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira.