UFC Fight Island 5 recap: Sandhagen scores spinning kick KO over Moraes

Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Cory Sandhagen got back to winning ways at UFC Fight Island 5, finishing Marlon Moraes with a spinning kick. In the main event of UFC Fight Island 5, Cory Sandhagen delivers a highlight reel…

UFC Fight Night: Moraes v Sandhagen

Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Cory Sandhagen got back to winning ways at UFC Fight Island 5, finishing Marlon Moraes with a spinning kick.

In the main event of UFC Fight Island 5, Cory Sandhagen delivers a highlight reel spinning kick KO of Marlon Moraes to get back to winning ways.

What was the high point of the fight?

Both men were quick off of the mark on the feet landing leg kicks and punches. Sandhagen was working well off of his jab, whilst Moraes preferred to land combinations when Sandhagen came into range. Moraes scored a late takedown towards the end of the first round.

In the second-round, Sandhagen landed a spinning back kick that sent Moraes to the canvas. He wasted no time and followed up with ground strikes, not giving the Brazilian a chance to recover and forcing the referee to stop the fight.

Where do both men go from here?

It’s a disappointing loss for Moraes, who was the number one contender at 135-pounds before the loss to Sandhagen. “Magic” finds himself in a difficult position with Aljamain Sterling likely to fight Petr Yan for the title next and Cody Garbrandt out with a bicep injury, so it’s hard to play matchmaker for him at the moment.

Sandhagen couldn’t have hoped for a better way to rebound after his stoppage loss to Sterling that ended his impressive UFC run earlier this year. “The Sandman” should sit and wait for the loser of Yan vs. Sterling, as it’s unlikely he will get a title shot on the back of this win.

Watch it now, later or never?

It was an awesome finish from Sandhagen, watch it now.