Cory Sandhagen offers straightforward advice to any child from any part of the world, be it the Middle East or Central America: avoid engaging in a harsh contact sport like the UFC unless you truly love it, enough to endure painful losses and rise to train again the following day for your next bout.
Sandhagen's upcoming fight is scheduled for Saturday in Abu Dhabi, where he will face the unbeaten Umar Nurmagomedov, cousin of the renowned Russian fighter Khabib. Unlike many top-tier fighters who relish pre-fight banter, Sandhagen, a psychology graduate, is cautious with his words. "Facing someone as dynamic and stylistically unique is a tough challenge," the 33-year-old American shared with the Khaleej Times. "It's required extra effort, but it's pushing me to my best. I believe I'll perform better than ever, thanks to the rigorous preparation for such a formidable opponent."
With a record of 17-4, Sandhagen declined to disclose his strategies against the 28-year-old Russian, who aims for a title shot with a victory in Abu Dhabi. "I prefer not to reveal too much about my game plan, but Umar's style demands excellence in areas less critical against other fighters," he explained. "His diverse techniques and kicks make for a tough fight, but it's elevating my performance, and I'm doing all I can to be prepared for this unique challenge."
Sandhagen, like his opponent, is deeply impressed by Abu Dhabi's rise as a significant UFC destination. "I love it here; it's fantastic, bringing people together. It's amazing to see the UFC so popular in regions I never imagined fighting in," he remarked. "The UFC's global nature is uniting people. The Middle East has a rich martial arts history, and it's fantastic they're now part of this. It would have been disheartening if I couldn't have pursued MMA here, so I'm glad this region is involved."
While hopeful for the emergence of local UFC fighters in the Middle East, Sandhagen advises young aspirants with caution. "If you don't love this sport enough to face significant losses, perhaps reconsider," he advised. "You must love it deeply, so that even failure is worthwhile because you enjoyed the journey."
Interestingly, Sandhagen finds greater pride in his work at an orphanage than in his cage battles. "After earning my psychology degree from a prestigious Colorado university, I worked at an orphanage for several years while pursuing a UFC career," he recalled. "This experience, deeply meaningful to me, enhanced my self-awareness and understanding of myself as a person and a fighter."
