In the co-main event of UFC Vegas 18, we had a pivotal matchup in the bantamweight division. Former lightweight champion, Frankie Edgar (24-8-1) took on Cory Sandhagen (13-2). The winner could be next in line for a bantamweight title shot.
The former UFC lightweight champion was making his second appearance at bantamweight. Edgar made his debut in the division back in August when he defeated Pedro Munhoz by decision in a very close fight.
After being the smaller guy for his entire career, Edgar finally appears at home in the UFC‘s bantamweight division. Standing across from him this evening was one of the top contenders in the division, Cory Sandhagen.
Sandhagen had a title eliminator back at UFC 250 against Aljamain Sterling. Unfortunately for him, he was submitted in the first round. However, he bounced back beautifully with a knockout of Marlon Moraes. A win over Edgar should put him next in line for a title shot.
UFC Vegas 18 Recap
Round 1
The UFC Vegas 18 co-main event opened with no touch of the gloves. Sandhagen was circling around the outside and Edgar was looking to pressure. A couple of nice calf kicks land for Cory Sandhagen.
Frankie Edgar moves forward and Sandhagen explodes with a massive flying knee that knocks Frankie Edgar out cold. Edgar falls forward lifeless and it’s a massive victory for Cory Sandhagen. He’s clearly the number one contender in the UFC’s bantamweight division.
Cory Sandhagen def. Frankie Edgar by KO (Flying Knee) – Round 1
FLYING KNEE ?
@cors_life landed the highlight reel KO against Frankie Edgar at #UFCVegas18 pic.twitter.com/JUxFxF2EN9
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) February 7, 2021