Dillashaw Splits Sandhagen In Successful Return

T.J. Dillashaw and Cory Sandhagen went to war tonight (Sat., July 24, 2021) in a main event Bantamweight clash from inside UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada, at UFC Vegas 32. One of the better “Fight Night” main events in recent history, there’s real title implications on the line! Sandhagen is riding a major wave of momentum, very likely on the verge of earning his first shot at UFC gold. Dillashaw, on the other hand, was looking to move past his highly public doping scandal and subsequent suspension, and shutting down one of the division’s best after so long on the sidelines is a great way to do so.

Strap in for tonight’s main event and follow along below for live updates and highlight clips:

Round One

Sandhagen lands a solid low kick to start, but Dillashaw soon answers with a combination. Another low kick from Sandhagen blasts his opponent’s leg, then Sandhagen attacks with a jump knee that appears to land! Dillashaw converts it into a takedown though. Sandhagen stands and works to fight off the clinch. Sandhagen whiffs on a spin kick, defends the takedown, then kicks his foe in the leg. Big left hand connection for Dillashaw! Dillashaw catches a low kick and scores an eventual takedown. Dillashaw counters a leg lock attempt with a couple heavy shots. The wild round ends in the clinch.

Round Two

Dillashaw pressures and attempts an early takedown, but Sandhagen defends. Dillashaw’s knee appears to be injured from Sandhagen’s heel hook in round one, but that doesn’t prevent Dillashaw from landing a right hook. Sandhagen answers with a crisp 1-2. Uppercut from “The Sandman” connects. Sandhagen connects on a pair of left hooks, and the second stuns Dillashaw! Huge right hand counter from Cory! Dillashaw is bleeding freely from a cut directly above his eye. Another jump knee connects for Sandhagen, followed by an elbow. Dillashaw is still advancing though and swinging hard. Dillashaw attacks the double leg along the fence, and this time he’s able to work his way to the back clinch. Dillashaw closes the round with an elbow.

Round Three

Sandhagen eats some big punches looking for a spinning strike. Dillashaw goes to the takedown along the fence yet again, but Sandhagen is able to break away. Dillashaw finds some success with his low kick. Sandhagen is landing right hands at a high rate. Dillashaw takes his foe down briefly off an attempting spinning kick. Jab-low kick scores for Sandhagen, but Dillashaw fires back immediately. Dillashaw stuffs a takedown attempt from Sandhagen and takes top position, securing himself an otherwise close round.

Round Four

Dillashaw immediately attacks the legs. Dillashaw lands with a good combination, and he’s really chopping into the leg. Dillashaw slips a cross and enters the clinch. Sandhagen breaks and connects with a hard left hand. Good jabs for Sandhagen, followed by a pair of body shots. Dillashaw returns to the back clinch position. Counter combo for Sandhagen. Dillashaw pushes back to the fence/clinch. Dillashaw lands a shifting punch then some heavy low kicks. Hard spinning backfist connects from Sandhagen finally connects!

Round Five

It’s low kicks vs. counter punches continuing into the final frame. 3-2 scores for Sandhagen. Dillashaw lands a good pair of punches, prompting a three-piece answer from Sandhagen. Dillashaw lands a brief takedown, but Sandhagen pops back up immediately. Another takedown denied, and Sandhagen rips the body. Jabs for the taller man. Sandhagen landing well halfway through the round. Dillashaw advances behind a big swing, but Sandhagen answers with two cleaner connections. Dillashaw’s takedown is stuffed, but he lands well on the break. Brutal mid-section rip from Sandhagen, but Dillashaw eats it and fires a left. The two are trading to end the fight, and both men land. Incredible fight!

Official Result: TJ Dillashaw defeats Cory Sandhagen via split-decision (48-47, 47-48, 48-47) — WATCH HIGHLIGHTS!

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For complete UFC Vegas 32: “Sandhagen vs. Dillashaw” results and play-by-play, click HERE.