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#4. T.J. Dillashaw hasn't competed in more than 900 days
One reason for Cory Sandhagen being seen as the favorite against T.J. Dillashaw is his recent activity. Dillashaw's last fight came in January 2019, and he has been on the shelf for more than 900 days. The former UFC champion took on Henry Cejudo for the flyweight title in 2019 and lost via knockout. He was slapped with a two-year suspension by USADA three months later.
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It's already tough for fighters to make a comeback after long breaks and hop right back into their groove. Against a streaking title contender, it's all the more challenging. Dillashaw last won a fight against Cody Garbrandt at UFC 227 in August 2018, which wasalmost three years ago at UFC 227.
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Also Read: 3 reasons why T.J. Dillashaw could be considered the UFC's bantamweight GOAT.
Michael Bisping said Dillashaw's decision to make a comeback after more than two years against Cory Sandhagen was definitely a tough one. The former UFC middleweight champion said:
"For T.J. to come back after two years and take on this guy (Cory Sandhagen)? There’s easy fights to have. Easier comeback fights have to get back into the swing of things, to let the world know you’re still a contender. Way easier fights to do that with. So as I say, I do respect T.J. Dillashaw for doing that."
Meanwhile, Cory Sandhagen's last fight came just five months ago, when he knocked out Frankie Edgar in impressive fashion. Given his recent form and consistent activity, it makes sense that he is seen as the favorite against Dillashaw.
Also Read: Michael Chandler calls out Justin Gaethje; claims 'The Highlight' has "no interest" in fighting him.
#3. Cory Sandhagen is 9-1 in his last 10 fights
Cory Sandhagen is currently on a two-fight winning streak and has enjoyed great success in his recent outings. The only time 'The Sandman' looked overwhelmed in the last four years was when Aljamain Sterling submitted him via a rear-naked choke at UFC 250.
Cory Sandhagen is 9-1 in his last 10 fights (7-1 in the UFC). He made his UFC debut in 2018 riding a two-fight winning streak from his time in the LFA. Entering the UFC, he went on a five-fight winning streak. The #2-ranked UFC bantamweight's only loss in the promotion came against the current UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling.
However, 'The Sandman' bounced back with another two wins, knocking out Marlon Moraes and Frankie Edgar in the next eight months. While Dillashaw has also won eight of his last 10, Cory Sandhagen has fewer losses in his MMA career than the former UFC champ.
Cory Sandhagen has also never been knocked out in his entire career, which is another reason for him being the favorite against the returning Dillashaw.
