Cory James Sandhagen Bio
Cory James Sandhagen, born on April 20, 1992, is an accomplished American mixed martial artist competing in the Bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Known for his dynamic fighting style and strategic acumen, Sandhagen turned professional in 2015 and has quickly risen through the ranks. As of 2024, he is ranked #4 in the UFC bantamweight division.
Early Life and Background
Born and raised in Aurora, Colorado, Cory Sandhagen attended Smoky Hill High School where he played basketball, a sport he had engaged in since childhood. He began martial arts training as a child, initially practicing taekwondo. Due to restrictions on punching in taekwondo, he transitioned to kickboxing, where he won multiple World Kickboxing Association (WKA) titles, including a world championship. Sandhagen’s early exposure to martial arts laid a strong foundation for his future mixed martial arts career.
He later graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder with a degree in psychology. His academic background complements his strategic approach to fighting and training. Sandhagen resides in Aurora, Colorado, where he continues to develop his skills and contribute to the local martial arts community.
Path to MMA
Sandhagen transitioned from kickboxing to mixed martial arts, driven by a lifelong passion for the sport. He began his professional MMA career in 2015, competing initially in regional promotions. His early fights showcased his striking prowess and adaptability, earning him recognition and opportunities at higher levels of competition.
He competed for Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA), making his debut in 2017. Despite a loss in his first LFA bout, he quickly rebounded with two first-round technical knockout victories. These performances helped him gain attention from the UFC and set the stage for his entry into the premier MMA organization.
Cory Sandhagen Career
Early Career (2015–2017)
Sandhagen began his professional MMA career in 2015, competing primarily in regional circuits. His early career was marked by rapid improvement and a series of impressive wins that highlighted his striking ability and fight IQ. His tenure in Legacy Fighting Alliance was a critical development phase, where he gained valuable experience against increasingly skilled opponents.
During this period, Sandhagen honed his skills with the High Altitude Martial Arts team, which he joined in 2010 and remains affiliated with. His training environment contributed significantly to his technical growth and competitive readiness.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2018–Present)
Cory Sandhagen made his UFC debut on January 27, 2018, at UFC on Fox: Jacaré vs. Brunson 2, securing a second-round technical knockout victory over Austin Arnett. This strong start established him as a rising contender in the bantamweight division.
He continued to impress with a series of notable wins, including a Fight of the Night performance against Iuri Alcantara in August 2018. Sandhagen demonstrated versatility by winning via knockout, technical knockout, submission, and decision throughout his UFC tenure. His victories over fighters such as Raphael Assunção and Marlon Moraes underscored his elite status.
Sandhagen faced setbacks in high-profile bouts, including losses to Aljamain Sterling and Petr Yan, the latter in an interim bantamweight title fight. Despite these challenges, he maintained a position near the top of the division, known for his resilience and technical skill.
Current Team Era (2010–Present)
Throughout his career, Sandhagen has trained primarily with High Altitude Martial Arts in Aurora, Colorado. He was also a member of the Elevation Fight Team from 2017 until 2024 and joined Forge Fight Club in 2024. These affiliations have provided him with diverse training partners and coaching, contributing to his well-rounded skill set.
In recent seasons, Sandhagen has remained a top contender in the bantamweight division, securing key wins and earning multiple Performance of the Night awards. His ability to adapt and evolve has kept him competitive against the division’s best fighters.
Fighting Style and Strengths
Sandhagen is known for his dynamic striking, combining precise kicks and punches with excellent movement and timing. His background in kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where he holds a brown belt, allows him to be effective both standing and on the ground. He is strategic in his approach, often using his reach and speed to control fights and create openings for finishes.
Notable Events and Milestones
Sandhagen’s career highlights include multiple Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night bonuses in the UFC. He has competed in high-stakes bouts such as the interim bantamweight title fight against Petr Yan and has consistently been ranked among the top bantamweights globally. His knockout victory over Frankie Edgar and technical knockout wins over Marlon Moraes and Deiveson Figueiredo stand out as defining moments.
Cory Sandhagen Career Wins
Cory Sandhagen has accumulated 18 professional wins out of 24 fights, showcasing a balanced record of knockouts, submissions, and decisions. His ability to finish fights and perform under pressure has been a hallmark of his career.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Highlights
In the UFC, Sandhagen has secured multiple wins by technical knockout and knockout, including his debut victory and notable finishes against Marlon Moraes and Frankie Edgar. His most recent wins include a technical knockout over Deiveson Figueiredo in 2025. Sandhagen has also earned Fight of the Night honors, reflecting his exciting fighting style and fan appeal.
Other Wins & Performances
Before joining the UFC, Sandhagen achieved success in Legacy Fighting Alliance with multiple first-round technical knockout victories. His kickboxing career included winning several WKA titles, which laid the foundation for his striking skills in MMA.
Cory Sandhagen Family
Personal Life
Cory Sandhagen is married to Erica, with their wedding taking place in September 2023. He resides in Aurora, Colorado, where he also teaches mixed martial arts at High Altitude Martial Arts. Outside the cage, Sandhagen has worked part-time at a trauma center for children, reflecting his commitment to community and personal development.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Cory Sandhagen continued to compete at the highest level of the UFC bantamweight division. He secured a significant technical knockout victory over former two-time UFC Flyweight Champion Deiveson Figueiredo, earning another Performance of the Night award. Sandhagen also competed for the UFC Bantamweight Championship against Merab Dvalishvili but lost by unanimous decision. Throughout the season, he demonstrated resilience and maintained his status as a top contender, with strong team support from High Altitude Martial Arts and Forge Fight Club. His outlook remains positive as he aims to capture the bantamweight title in upcoming bouts.