The main event for UFC Nashville between top bantamweights Cory Sandhagen and Rob Font drew widespread criticism from fans both at the arena and online. Sandhagen, typically known for being an entertaining striker who thrives in aggressive scenarios and Rob Font who is considered to be one of the best fighters in the division put on a display that some fans have been calling as the worst fight of the year.
Instead of his usual style, Sandhagen decided to utilize his wrestling, which Font ultimately had no answer for and the fight would go the full 25 minutes with Sandhagen in control for the majority. Many fans also noted how Dana White apparently walked out of the fight in the 4th round with many saying that despite picking up the victory, Sandhagen’s stock had actually dropped due to the performance.
Sandhagen Tears Tricep, Out for At Least 6 Months
Sandhagen revealed on his Instagram account shortly after an explanation for his change in usual performance. In a short but informative caption Sandhagen wrote, “fully torn tricep in Round 1” and signed off with a confirmation that he would be receiving surgery on the injury later on in the week.
Speaking on Ariel Helwani’s show The MMA Hour, Sandhagen went into further detail discussing the injury, the reaction to the fight and the future once he returns from his injury. Sandhagen revealed to Helwani that he had been suffering from various forms of injury in his elbow for the past several months and about a month before the fight had actually developed cellulitis in the elbow.
Sandhagen also stated that his arm will require surgery which he is scheduled to undergo today and he is expected to recover from this in six months minimum. Sandhagen also noted that he spoke with Dana White in regards to his performance, stating, “He just told me to heal up and he was real nice about it”.
Despite the impressive resume and dominant performance on Saturday, a lot can happen in a short time in MMA. Sandhagen may find that the bantamweight division has some new contenders upon his return.