Frankie Edgar Opens As Huge Underdog vs. Cory Sandhagen
Frankie Edgar
Photo: ESPN.com
Scheduling has been a nightmare for the UFC this past year, as COVID has caused many fights to be postponed or scrapped altogether. Cory Sandhagen (13-2-0) was set to take on Frankie Edgar (23-8-1) in a Bantamweight bout but their fight has been beset by these issues dating back to January of last year when they were initially scheduled. That match was canceled when Edgar was used as a replacement fighter at the last-minute for a different main event.
Now that highly anticipated bout is expected to take place Feb. 6 at a location to be determined. Oddsmakers have pegged Edgar as a big underdog in this fight, opening at +250 versus Sandhagen who opened at -300 odds.
This isn’t surprising as Edgar’s record the last few years has been hit-or-miss and the veteran is nearing 40 years old. He is also nearly a decade removed from his most dominant period in the UFC when he started his career at 15-1-1 and was the Lightweight champion at one point. Edgar still has a shot at coming up with the win, as he had a successful debut at Bantamweight against Pedro Munhoz (18-5-0) in August. Edgar won that fight by split decision and the match earned Fight of the Night honors.
While Edgar might have the edge in experience, Sandhagen has been on a tear, losing just one of his last nine fights. He is currently the #2 ranked Bantamweight fighter and is looking to use this match as a springboard for a chance at the Bantamweight title.
In an interview with SCMP MMA Sandhagen explained why he took the fight against Edgar.
“I think it’s gotta be a title shot, if it makes sense in my head. That’s why I took the fight more than anything. I think if I beat Frankie and I keep myself busy, and I don’t play this game of Oh I’m the number two guy so I deserve it after that. I’m not going to play that game with the UFC.”
It remains to be seen if Edgar can surprise everyone and pull out a win, but he’s certainly expected to make things tough for Sandhagen.