UFC 320 – Merab Dvalishvili vs Cory Sandhagen: Preview & Betting Tips

The co-main event at UFC 320, as defending bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili puts his belt on the line against the highly skilled Cory Sandhagen, currently ranked fourth in the division.

Just when it seemed like Dvalishvili (20-4) couldn’t add any more weapons to his arsenal, he silenced doubters by running it back with Sean O’Malley and submitting him in their rematch. 

On the other side stands Sandhagen (18-5), one of the most creative and dangerous strikers in the division. “The Sandman” thrives in chaos, throwing flying knees, spinning attacks, and combinations that can end a fight in an instant. And this should pose the champ some problems throughout the fight.

Tale of the Tape

Merab Dvalishvili – Odds 1.25 (Bet MGM)

Record: 20-4

Age: 34

Height: 5ft6

Reach: 68”

Weight: Bantamweight

Stance: Orthodox

Cory Sandhagen – Odds 4.00 (Bet MGM)

Record: 18-5

Age: 33

Height: 5ft11

Reach: 70”

Weight: Bantamweight

Stance: Switch

Merab Dvalishvili vs Cory Sandhagen: Analysis

Known as “The Machine” for his pace and endless cardio, Dvalishvili overwhelms opponents with pressure, clinch work, and takedowns that never seem to stop coming. If he can establish his rhythm early, it’s hard for anyone at 135-pounds to keep him off for five full rounds.

More than just a highlight reel striker, Sandhagen’s underrated grappling could present a puzzle for Merab’s wrestle-heavy approach. His length, footwork, and timing give him a clear path to catching Dvalishvili on an entry.

This fight comes down to whether Sandhagen can keep the fight standing and punish Merab’s forward pressure, or if Dvalishvili can chain takedowns until Sandhagen is worn down.

Historically, Merab has been able to drag even elite strikers into deep waters, but Sandhagen’s creativity and IQ mean he’s never truly out of a fight.

Dvalishvili vs Sandhagen: Prediction & Betting Tips

With Dvalishvili riding a huge wave of momentum and Sandhagen always just one highlight away from victory, this matchup is as much a stylistic chess game as it is a test of durability and will.

While the American’s creativity makes him a dangerous dog, it’s difficult to overlook Merab’s suffocating style and ability to neutralise flashy strikers. Sandhagen may win moments, but the Georgian’s consistency usually wins rounds, and this is key in a five-round fight.

If Sandhagen can time a knee on one of Merab’s entries or use leg sweeps and leg locks to slow him down, he has a legitimate upset path. But the safer bet is that Merab’s pace and wrestling will dictate most of the exchanges over five rounds.

The champion should get this one done by fighting smartly and sticking to his gameplan which will be to grind his opponent down, deplete his gas tank as well as the time on the clock in the process. Take Merab Dvalishvili to win by decision or technical decision at odds of 1.55 (Bet MGM).