Cory Sandhagen was expecting Umar Nurmagomedov; instead, he is prepared for Rob Font

This week’s MMA Notebook takes a look at Cory Sandhagen and Rob Font before their clash at the UFC on ESPN card in Nashville

Cory Sandhagen thought he was getting Umar Nurmagomedov.

This was his chance to beat an undefeated Dagestani mixed martial artist and force his way into the bantamweight title picture.

“There was a lot of hype around me and Umar fighting,” says Sandhagen, who was criticized by many for taking the bout against Nurmagomedov while being so far ahead of him. “I was excited to be the first guy to beat him and to prove that the Dagestanis aren’t these invincible fighters.”

Then Nurmagomedov suffered a shoulder injury and withdrew from the fight. Instead of looking like a world-beater, Sandhagen moves to heavy favorite against Rob Font.

For Font, this is the opportunity he has long been seeking. He finds himself in a main event, and vaults himself into the upper echelon with a victory.

“There is so much upside to an opportunity like this,” says Font, who was originally scheduled to fight Song Yadong in two weeks at UFC 292 before Yadong dropped out. “I was a little nerve wracking when I heard my opponent was out, but it was a whirlwind when I found out that I could fight. It’s a fight I have to take. Fighting Cory puts me in the main event.”

This is a tale of two very different stories, but the end result is the same. Both Sandhagen and Font desperately need this win in order to take a step closer to the belt.

This is a catchweight bout at 140 pounds, and it should be very competitive. Sandhagen (16-4) refuses to underestimate Font, especially considering he brings an entirely different style that he had prepared for in Nurmagomedov.

“Rob Font is a hell of a fighter,” says Sandhagen. “He’s coming off a really big win [a TKO win against Adrian Yanez in April], and he has momentum. It’s not the most shiny fight compared to Umar, but it’s a fight that still does a lot for me and should be really entertaining for the fans. I’m embracing the challenge.”

Asked if there was a chance he would not have fought until Nurmagomedov was healthy, Sandhagen shared his perspective.

“If it wasn’t Rob Font, it would have been a really tough call,” says Sandhagen. “Everyone else was kind of booked. Long story short, I’m really grateful Rob was free.”

The bantamweight title is on the line next week at UFC 292 when Aljamain Sterling defends the belt against Sean O’Malley. It holds extra weight because Sterling is likely to leave the division after a win and move to featherweight, creating space atop the division. Both Sandhagen and Font are fighting for their first run with the title.

“The title is the ultimate goal,” says Font (20-6). “This is a step to get closer to it. This is a better fight, too. Nurmagomedov has the last name, but this fight is going to be even more entertaining.”

Font is an aggressive fighter, but Sandhagen is well-versed in dangerous opponents. His last two opponents were Chito Vera and Yadong, and he is ready for his first three-fight win streak since 2018.

“I’m currently the best I’ve ever been,” says Sandhagen. “I’ve been laser-focused, and I’m getting closer and closer to the martial artist I’ve wanted to be for a long time. Rob is the perfect opponent for me to showcase that against, and then I’ll go fight for the title.

“Winning takes care of everything. That’s the mindset. Just keep winning.”

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The Pick ‘Em Section:

UFC on ESPN catchweight (140-pound) bout: Cory Sandhagen vs. Rob Font

Pick: Cory Sandhagen

UFC on ESPN women’s strawweight bout: Tatiana Suarez vs. Jéssica Andrade

Pick: Tatiana Suarez

UFC on ESPN light heavyweight bout: Dustin Jacoby vs. Kennedy Nzechukwu

Pick: Dustin Jacoby

UFC on ESPN featherweight bout: Diego Lopes vs. Gavin Tucker

Pick: Diego Lopes

UFC on ESPN light heavyweight bout: Tanner Boser vs. Aleksa Camur

Pick: Tanner Boser

Last week: 4-0

2023 record: 81-51

Justin Barrasso can be reached at JBarrasso@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @JustinBarrasso.