UFC San Antonio goes down this weekend at the AT&T Center In San Antonio, Texas as top five bantamweight contenders Marlon Vera and Cory Sandhagen battle in a potential title eliminator.
Vera is currently riding a four-fight winning streak, with his most recent win coming against Dominick Cruz by knockout, whereas Sandhagen bounced back into winning ways in his most recent fight against Song Yadong.
UFC San Antonio: Analysis and Prediction
Vera vs Sandhagen will be a fantastic fight between two young and hungry bantamweights. Both fighters are high-level strikers, but they are different in how they approach their fights. Vera is a kickboxer with a crazy amount of power in his shots. He’s more reserved and is usually a slow starter but he’s exceptional at picking his shots. Sandhagen is a dynamic striker, with better output and movement. He likes to express himself inside the Octagon and his striking range is diverse. Technically speaking, Sandhagen is the better striker but Vera’s power and durability are intimidating, to say the least.
Statistically, Sandhagen has the edge in striking as well. He lands more than six significant strikes per minute on average, whereas Vera lands a little over four. Sandhagen is better defensively as well, as he absorbs over four significant strikes per minute on average, whereas Vera absorbs more than five.
Vera will have the edge in grappling. He’s better rounded and has eight submission wins to his name. He’s a BJJ black belt, with slick submissions and merciless ground and pound. Sandhagen isn’t a world-beater when it comes to grappling, but he knows his stuff. He does an excellent job of staying at distance, thanks to his long frame, and he’s a hard man to take down. On top of that, he does have a submission threat of his own.
Both fighters have excellent endurance so a five-round fight won’t be a problem for either. Make no mistake about it, it’s a very close fight, but expect Sandhagen to take home a hard-fought decision win.
Prediction: Cory Sandhagen by decision
Betting Odds:
Marlon Vera (+140)
Cory Sandhagen (-165)
Who do you think will win the bantamweight clash between Marlon Vera and Cory Sandhagen at UFC San Antonio?
