Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
The Bantamweight showdown between top-ranked contenders, Aljamain Sterling (No. 2) and Cory Sandhagen (No. 4), at UFC 250 tonight (Sat., June 6, 2020) would more than likely determine the next 135-pound title contender; however, for dumb reasons, it did not receive pay-per-view (PPV) co-main event billing.
Nevertheless, the most intriguing match up on the card was not as competitive as most predicted, with Sterling coming out of the gate on fire and choking out Sandhagen in less than 90 seconds.
Sterling came out aggressive, putting on the pressure and making Sandhagen work off his back foot early. He pressed Sandhagen up against fence and scored a quick takedown, locking in a tight body triangle and angling for a rear-naked choke. Sterling couldnt get it under the chin, though, and Sandhagen eventually rolled to his belly. Sterling modified his grip and sunk his forearm under the chin. This time he had it tight! Sandhagen attempted to peel the hands away, put Sterling was bone dry and strong as hell, squeezing Sandhagen into submission.
What an impressive performance from Sterling — he wanted this win badly and went for it with everything he had early. The first fighter to finish Sandhagen in his young and impressive professional career.
Wow … Sterling should be next up for a title shot as soon as possible against the winner of Petr Yan vs. Jose Aldo.
Remember that MMAmania.com is delivering LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC 250 fight card RIGHT HERE, starting with the ESPN+/Fight Pass “Prelims” matches online, which began at 6:30 p.m. ET, then the remaining undercard balance on ESPN+/ESPN at 8 p.m. ET, before the PPV main card start time at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+.
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