Cory Sandhagen discusses his humorous ‘loser’ fan persona before UFC 320 showdown with Merab Dvalishvili

Cory Sandhagen Embraces Underdog Status Ahead of UFC 320 Championship Bout

Cory Sandhagen is ready to embrace the role of the underdog as he prepares for his highly anticipated bantamweight title fight against Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 320. Scheduled for Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, this matchup has garnered a lot of attention, especially with Dvalishvili emerging as a heavy favorite. In a lighthearted approach to the narrative surrounding his underdog status, Sandhagen has been engaging fans through entertaining online skits, showcasing both his humor and his unique personality.

Sandhagen’s Creative Take on Fighting Odds

Understanding the odds stacked against him, Sandhagen has fun with the situation, collaborating with an internet fan to create humorous content that highlights the reasons why he’s perceived as the likely loser in this bout. The skits play into Dvalishvili’s reputation as an unstoppable champion who has dominated the bantamweight division.

“I always thought that I had a quirky sense of humor,” Sandhagen shared with El-Balad. “For whatever reason, I don’t make a lot of facial expressions, so it can be hard to tell when I’m joking. But I decided to embrace it. If people get it, great; if not, that’s okay too.”

Record and Resumé of Merab Dvalishvili

Merab Dvalishvili comes into this championship fight boasting an impressive record, having won 13 straight fights. His journey includes a title victory at UFC 306 over Sean O’Malley and two successful title defenses in early 2025. Dvalishvili is known for his wins against top contenders like Petr Yan and Umar Nurmagomedov, both of whom have previously defeated Sandhagen.

Sandhagen’s Perspective on Fan Engagement

Amidst the banter and social media commentary, Sandhagen emphasizes that his playful antics aren’t just a response to negativity but a way for him to enjoy the moment in the spotlight. “I’m leaning into the narrative because I know people see Merab as a favorite,” Sandhagen explained. “I honestly don’t read most comments, but I’m aware of the general sentiment out there.”

A Long-Awaited Opportunity

Sandhagen has long sought the opportunity to face Dvalishvili, a matchup that many in the bantamweight division have hesitated to accept. Despite the lack of enthusiasm from other fighters, he has consistently called for this challenge. His appreciation for the MMA fan base is evident, acknowledging their passion while also recognizing the spectrum of opinions that come with public life.

• Sandhagen’s candid views on fandom:
• “I appreciate the support, but fandom can be strange.”
• “For every mean comment, there are passionate fans cheering for me.”

With fans divided on his chances against Dvalishvili, Sandhagen remains optimistic. He views both positive and negative reactions as part of the larger experience. “Without the balance of both supportive fans and critics, you don’t really get the full picture,” he stated.

As UFC 320 approaches, all eyes will be on Sandhagen and Dvalishvili. The outcome of their bout will not only determine the fate of the bantamweight championship but will also play a significant role in the narrative surrounding both fighters in the UFC landscape.