UFC 267: Petr Yan vs. Cory Sandhagen Guide (2021)
The UFC heads back to the UAE this weekend for another great weekend on “Fight Island,†where two title fights will serve as the co-main and main event.
An interim belt is on the line in the co-man, as a pair of bantamweights fight for a title held by the injured Aljamain Sterling.
Let’s take a closer look and see who has the edge between Petr Yan and Corey Sandhagen.
| Petr Yan | -290 | -235 | -278 | -270 |
| Corey Sandhagen | +225 | +190 | +220 | +235 |
Betting Profile: Petr Yan (15-2-0)
Last Five Fights
| L | W | W | W | W |
This was the fight to make at this weight given the injuries to Sterling, who withdrew just inside a month ago, and TJ Dillashaw.
Former champ Petr Yan will look to take a step toward getting his belt back after an incidental knee to the face DQ’d him against Sterling, despite having dominated until that moment.
The best grappler in the division, Yan comes into this fight with a 67% takedown accuracy and 91% takedown defense rate.
Betting Profile: Cory Sandhagen (14-3-0)
Last Five Fights
| L | W | W | L | W |
With Sterling and Dillashaw sidelined, Cory “Sandman†Sandhagen will look to shock the world, which he almost did his last time inside the Octagon. In just the second loss of his UFC career (first to Sterling), Sandhagen took Dillashaw five rounds before losing a split decision.
A great striker and grappler in his own right, Sandhagen went five rounds with the former champion Dillashaw, and an early-round leg lock is why TJ can’t compete this weekend.
Bottom Line?
While grappling is widely considered Yan’s most skilled attribute, his striking is quietly rising the ranks to become elite. Coming into this fight, Yan is tied for first in the division’s history with nine knockdowns landed.
He’s also third in knockdown average per 15 minutes and strikes landed per 15 minutes in the all-time ranks. Yan’s ability is wide-ranging and, to me, the best in the division.
While Sandhagen could push this fight late, expect Yan to win comfortably.
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