Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Cory Sandhagen

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 3, 2025

How Cory Sandhagen built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Cory Sandhagen is an American professional mixed martial artist competing in the UFC's Bantamweight division. Turning pro in 2015, he previously fought in Legacy Fighting Alliance. As of August 2024, he holds the #4 rank in the UFC bantamweight division.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2015: Started Professional Career

In 2015, Cory Sandhagen began his career as a professional mixed martial artist.

February 24, 2017: Legacy Fighting Alliance Debut

On February 24, 2017, Cory Sandhagen debuted in the Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA) at LFA 5, losing to Jamall Emmers via unanimous decision.

October 17, 2017: Victory at LFA 24

On October 17, 2017, Cory Sandhagen fought Luiz Antonio Lobo Gavinho at LFA 24 and won via first round TKO.

January 19, 2018: Final LFA Appearance

On January 19, 2018, Cory Sandhagen made his final appearance for Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA) at LFA 31, defeating Jose Aguayo via first round TKO.

January 27, 2018: UFC Promotional Debut

On January 27, 2018, Cory Sandhagen made his promotional debut at UFC on Fox: Jacaré vs. Brunson 2 against Austin Arnett, winning the fight via second-round TKO.

August 25, 2018: UFC Fight Night Victory and Award

On August 25, 2018, Cory Sandhagen fought Iuri Alcantara at UFC Fight Night: Gaethje vs. Vick, winning via second-round TKO and earning the Fight of the Night award.

April 27, 2019: UFC Fight Night Victory

On April 27, 2019, Cory Sandhagen faced John Lineker at UFC Fight Night: Jacaré vs. Hermansson and won the fight via split decision.

August 17, 2019: UFC 241 Victory

On August 17, 2019, Cory Sandhagen faced Raphael Assunção at UFC 241, winning the bout by unanimous decision.

January 25, 2020: Fight Cancellation

On January 25, 2020, Cory Sandhagen was scheduled to face Frankie Edgar at UFC Fight Night 166, but Edgar was removed from the fight, and Sandhagen was subsequently removed from the card as well.

June 6, 2020: UFC 250 Loss

On June 6, 2020, Cory Sandhagen faced Aljamain Sterling at UFC 250 in a bantamweight title eliminator bout, losing via submission in the first round.

October 11, 2020: UFC Fight Night 179 Victory and Award

On October 11, 2020, Cory Sandhagen faced Marlon Moraes at UFC Fight Night 179, winning via technical knockout in round two and earning the Performance of the Night award.

February 6, 2021: UFC Fight Night 184 Victory and Award

On February 6, 2021, Cory Sandhagen faced Frankie Edgar at UFC Fight Night 184, winning the fight via knockout by flying knee in the first round and earning the Performance of the Night award.

May 8, 2021: Dillashaw Fight Initial Scheduling

Cory Sandhagen was originally scheduled to face T.J. Dillashaw on May 8, 2021, at UFC on ESPN 24. However, the fight was rescheduled due to Dillashaw pulling out.

July 24, 2021: UFC on ESPN: Sandhagen vs. Dillashaw

On July 24, 2021, Cory Sandhagen faced T.J. Dillashaw at UFC on ESPN: Sandhagen vs. Dillashaw, losing via split decision in a close fight.

October 30, 2021: UFC 267 Loss and Fight of the Night Award

On October 30, 2021, Cory Sandhagen faced Petr Yan for the Interim UFC Bantamweight Championship at UFC 267, losing via unanimous decision but earning the Fight of the Night award.

September 17, 2022: UFC Fight Night 210 Victory

On September 17, 2022, Cory Sandhagen faced Song Yadong at UFC Fight Night 210, winning the fight via technical knockout after a doctor stoppage due to a cut.

February 18, 2023: Vera Fight Scheduling

On February 18, 2023, Cory Sandhagen was originally scheduled to face Marlon Vera at UFC Fight Night 219. The bout was then rebooked.

August 5, 2023: UFC on ESPN 50 Victory

On August 5, 2023, Cory Sandhagen faced Rob Font at UFC on ESPN 50, winning the fight via unanimous decision despite tearing his right triceps during the first round.

August 3, 2024: UFC on ABC: Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov Loss

On August 3, 2024, Cory Sandhagen faced Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC on ABC: Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov in a bantamweight title eliminator, losing the fight by unanimous decision.