Cory “The Sandman” Sandhagen is no longer just a top contender in the UFC’s stacked bantamweight division—he’s a title-worthy technician who has paid his dues and then some. His dominant victory over former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC Des Moines was just the latest chapter in a career built on skill, consistency, and relentless growth. After years of finishing legends, beating top-10 talent, and continuously evolving his game, Sandhagen has earned the next crack at UFC gold.
But to understand why Cory deserves that title shot, you have to look at where he comes from: High Altitude Martial Arts.
A Fighter Molded at High Altitude Martial Arts
Cory Sandhagen’s MMA journey started in Aurora, Colorado, where he walked into High Altitude Martial Arts as a young, hungry seventeen year old basketball player eager to learn martial arts. From the very beginning, it was clear he was something special. Under the mentorship of the High Altitude coaches, Sandhagen developed a foundation rooted in discipline, precision, and creativity.
At High Altitude, Sandhagen was never treated like a future star—he was expected to put in the same work as everyone else. Day in and day out, he sharpened his tools alongside some of the best fighters in the world, in a gym that emphasized technical excellence and high-level strategy over brute force. Whether it was drilling positional control in Jiu-Jitsu, refining his striking footwork during kickboxing, or grinding through wrestling scrambles with elite training partners, Cory stayed committed to becoming a complete martial artist.
He continues to train out of High Altitude to this day, staying loyal to the team that built him. He’s not just a product of the gym—he’s a pillar of its success, often helping coach and guide younger athletes coming up through the ranks.
The Sandman’s Style: Unorthodox, Smart, and Dangerous
What makes Sandhagen so special isn’t just his work ethic—it’s his unique fighting style. Standing at 5’11” with a long reach for the bantamweight division, he uses range and movement better than nearly anyone in the weight class. But his real strength lies in his unpredictability.
Cory blends elements of Muay Thai, Dutch kickboxing, and slick Jiu-Jitsu into a seamless, hybrid approach. He’ll switch stances mid-combo, throw flying knees from unexpected angles, and use tricky footwork to trap opponents or escape danger. His timing is elite, and his fight IQ is next-level—constantly adjusting during rounds, outsmarting world-class opponents.
Beyond his striking, Sandhagen has quietly built one of the most underrated ground games in the division. His grappling has evolved dramatically over the past few years, and his ability to mix in takedowns, ride positions, and threaten submissions makes him a serious problem wherever the fight goes.
Resume of a Future Champion
Sandhagen’s list of wins reads like a who’s-who of bantamweight greats:
- Knockout of former title challenger Marlon Moraes
- Highlight-reel flying knee KO of Frankie Edgar
- Dominant wins over Marlon “Chito” Vera and Rob Font
- Now, a shut-down performance against Deiveson Figueiredo
He’s also gone the distance in razor-close fights with former champions T.J. Dillashaw and Petr Yan—fights many believe he could have won. He’s never been outclassed. He’s always been in the mix. And now, after refining his game and showing he can dominate former champions, the title shot is long overdue.
A Champion in the Making
Cory Sandhagen has done everything the UFC could ask of a contender. He’s finished legends, stepped up on short notice, and headlined main events. He’s done it with class, humility, and a commitment to excellence rooted in the culture of High Altitude Martial Arts. You wouldn’t be able to tell he his a straight savage by looking at him, he is down to earth and funny. He is real.
The time is now. Give Cory Sandhagen his shot at the title—not just because he’s earned it, but because he’s ready to take it.
Want to train where champions are made? Visit High Altitude Martial Arts in Denver, Colorado—where Cory Sandhagen’s journey began, and where the next generation is already rising.
