Sandhagen Reveals Untold Story: The Cruz Fight That Almost Happened
The UFC bantamweight division has always been a shark tank of talent, but few matchups have captured the imagination of hardcore fans quite like a potential showdown between technical wizard Cory Sandhagen and the elusive legend Dominick Cruz. In a recent revelation that has the MMA world buzzing, Sandhagen disclosed that we were tantalizingly close to seeing this dream matchup materialize.
The Matchup That Could Have Changed Bantamweight History
I’ve been following the bantamweight division for years, and this news honestly hits different. Cory “The Sandman” Sandhagen recently dropped a bombshell when he revealed that a fight between him and the footwork maestro Dominick Cruz was once in serious discussions.
“We were actually really close to fighting at one point,” Sandhagen shared during a recent interview. “The contracts were nearly finalized, but timing issues ultimately prevented it from happening.”
For hardcore MMA fans, this is the equivalent of finding out that we almost got a Beatles reunion tour. Cruz’s legendary movement-based style against Sandhagen’s creative striking would have been nothing short of bantamweight poetry.
Why This Fight Would Have Been Special
When you think about it, this matchup had all the ingredients for an instant classic:
- Tactical chess match: Both fighters are known for their high fight IQ and strategic approaches
- Contrasting yet similar styles: Cruz’s unorthodox movement vs. Sandhagen’s fluid striking
- Generational clash: The pioneer vs. the evolution of the division
Cruz, now retired but forever etched in MMA history as perhaps the greatest bantamweight ever, would have faced a puzzle in Sandhagen that few have solved. Meanwhile, Sandhagen would have had the opportunity to test his mettle against the blueprint that many modern bantamweights were built upon.
The Timeline That Never Was
According to sources close to both camps, the fight was targeted for a mid-2021 card, during a period when both fighters were looking to solidify their positions in the division’s upper echelon. Sandhagen was coming off his highlight-reel flying knee knockout of Frankie Edgar, while Cruz was attempting to rebuild after his title loss to Henry Cejudo.
| Fighter | Status at Time of Proposed Fight | Fighting Style |
|---|---|---|
| Dominick Cruz | Former champion looking to climb back | Footwork-heavy, unpredictable angles |
| Cory Sandhagen | Rising contender on knockout streak | Technical striking, creative attacks |
The Impact of Cruz’s Legacy
While Cruz has hung up the gloves, his influence on the division remains undeniable. You can see elements of his style in today’s top fighters, though none have fully replicated his signature movement patterns.
“Dominick changed how we look at footwork in MMA,” Sandhagen acknowledged. “He was doing things a decade ago that fighters are still trying to figure out today. That’s why I wanted that fight so badly – it was a chance to test myself against someone who wrote the book on bantamweight movement.”
Cruz’s career, despite being plagued by injuries, stands as one of the most impressive in UFC history. His ability to return from multiple potentially career-ending injuries to recapture UFC gold is the stuff of legend.
What Could Have Been
Had this fight occurred, we might be discussing an entirely different bantamweight landscape today. A win for Cruz could have sparked another title run for the ageless wonder. For Sandhagen, defeating a name like Cruz would have fast-tracked his championship aspirations.
The technical aspects alone make this a fight worth mourning. Imagine Cruz’s feints and angles against Sandhagen’s flying knees and spinning attacks. This would have been the MMA equivalent of a jazz improvisation session – technical brilliance meeting creative expression.
What’s Next for Sandhagen?
While the Cruz matchup will forever remain in the realm of “what if,” Sandhagen continues his march toward UFC gold. Currently ranked among the division’s elite, his technical striking and ever-improving ground game make him a threat to anyone at 135 pounds.
The bantamweight division doesn’t slow down, and neither does Sandhagen’s pursuit of the title. With new challenges emerging and the division in constant flux, The Sandman remains focused on claiming the ultimate prize.
As for Cruz, his legacy is secured as one of the sport’s greatest innovators – a fighter who changed how we view movement in the cage and set a standard that few will ever match.
Share Your Thoughts
Would you have loved to see this technical masterclass between Sandhagen and Cruz? Which dream matchups do you wish had happened in the UFC’s bantamweight division? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
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Source: BJPENN.com