Cory Sandhagen vs. Marlon Vera Prediction: Who Will Rise to the Top of the Bantamweight at UFC Fight Night?

Cory Sandhagen vs. Marlon Vera Prediction: Who Will Rise to the Top of the Bantamweight at UFC Fight Night?

The highly-anticipated bantamweight fight between Cory Sandhagen and Marlon Vera at UFC San Antonio is finally upon us, and it is shaping up to be an intriguing matchup. The winner is likely getting the next title shot, as both men are top five in the bantamweight division, with only Merab Dvalishvili in the mix. Vera appears to be the popular pick in San Antonio, Texas, this weekend, given his recent performances, but he is the +130 underdog in this matchup. Are the odds justified?

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Cory Sandhagen vs. Marlon Vera Start Time, Where to Watch, and Odds

• When: March 25, 2023
• Time: 7:00 PM EDT
• Where: AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX
• Where to Watch: ESPN, ESPN+

Click here for Sandhagen vs. Vera odds

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Cory Sandhagen vs. Marlon Vera Prediction

Vera has pulled off some impressive stoppage wins over the past few years, but Sandhagen has never been knocked out. While this might lead some to believe that Vera has the power to end the fight early, it's worth noting that Sandhagen has only lost to Aljamain Sterling, the current champ, TJ Dillashaw, a former champ, and prime Petr Yan in a title fight. These are all elite fighters and Sandhagen's ability to take their best shots is a testament to his durability and resilience. I'm not saying Vera isn't also elite, but we have yet to see him beat a contender in their prime. His best win is a stoppage over Sean O'Malley, but O'Malley injured his leg in that fight with nerve damage. You can argue that Vera caused the damage, but it's impossible to know. Still, that win has an asterisk.

One of Sandhagen's biggest strengths is his unreal output on the feet. He averages 6.15 significant strikes per minute and can keep a high pace for five full rounds. This relentless pressure can wear down opponents and make it difficult for them to mount any significant offense. Vera is no slouch on the feet either, but he tends to fight at a slower pace and is less active overall. He also starts slower in fights, so if he drops the first few rounds, it will not be easy to mount a comeback against Sandhagen. If Sandhagen can maintain his pace and keep Vera on the defensive, he could rack up points and potentially even finish the fight, although Vera has never been finished.

Another factor to consider is the level of competition that both fighters have faced. While Vera has certainly had some impressive wins, his losses to Jose Aldo and Yadong Song are not exactly ancient history. Sandhagen has faced some of the best fighters in the division and has only lost to the very elite. This experience and success against top-level competition could give Sandhagen the edge in a high-pressure fight like this. Vera's most recent victories over Dominick Cruz and Frankie Edgar were when both were older and on their way out.

Of course, it's worth noting that anything can happen in MMA, and Vera certainly has the skills to pull off an upset. But based on Sandhagen's track record, skill set, and experience, I believe he is the rightful favorite to win this fight. Whether he can finish Vera or take a decision remains to be seen, but I expect Sandhagen to come out on top when the dust settles. I expect Sandhagen to get past Vera and make his argument for the next title shot after the championship is settled in Newark at UFC 288.

Cory Sandhagen vs. Marlon Vera Pick

• Sandhagen ML (-148) Get the Best odds for this Bet at FanDuel Right Now