On Saturday, July 24, Cory Sandhagen and former training partner, TJ Dillashaw go head to head as UFC Fight Night’s main event. This will be TJ’s first fight back after vacating the title and serving a two year suspension for recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO). Meanwhile, Cory has been making a statement in the UFC’s Bantamweight division. He is 7-1 (in the UFC); his only loss is to current Bantamweight champion, Aljamain Sterling. His seven victories are against former champions and high ranked title contenders such as John Lineker, Raphael Assuncao, Marlon Moraes, and Frankie Edgar.
For almost two years, Cory and TJ were training partners when they were training at MusclePharm with Elevation Fight Team. They sparred frequently. When asked about training together, TJ said “You got to have those guys who push you in the gym, and Cory is one of those guys who pushed me in the gym.” Back then, TJ was the champ and Cory was still fighting locally. Imagine that raw version of Cory pushing his teammate, the champ – versus the much more experienced and refined, new version of Cory.
TJ went on to say, “I mean, I’ve been pumping Cory up before Cory’s even pumping himself up. I was one of the biggest advocates to get him into the UFC. Taking pictures with him saying like man, this guy has gotta be in the UFC. This was a good way before anybody knew he was, you know he’s a great athlete.”
MMA fight fans eagerly await this bout where old school meets new school. Will 2 year ring rust play a factor in TJ’s performance? Will Cory be able to continue his rampage and take the former champ down? Make sure you tune in Saturday night on ESPN Plus, it will be a good one!
Best of skill, Coach Cory! The HAMA family and your youth kickboxing kids will be cheering you on!
