Whereas making his usually scheduled look on the “Ray Longo Minute” phase of the Anik and Florian Podcast, which options UFC commentator John Anik alongside his co-host, former UFC title challenger and commentator Kenny Florian, Longo, a legendary MMA coach, mentioned the upcoming title bout involving his star pupil.
Longo has guided a number of fighters to championship gold, together with Chris Weidman, Matt Serra, Aljamain Sterling, and most not too long ago, Merab Dvalishvili. Merab is about to face bantamweight contender Cory Sandhagen in a extremely anticipated matchup at UFC 320.
In the course of the podcast, John Anik remarked to Longo, “I feel Merab Dvalishvili is the largest MMA famous person in America amongst energetic fighters.” Longo agreed, referencing the champion’s current coaching footage with Demetrious Johnson, who’s broadly thought of one of many prime three fighters in MMA historical past. He added, “He’s residing the American dream at this level, and he loves combating.”
Cory Sandhagen enters the bout following a victory over former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo. With Merab having cleared out the highest contenders within the division, Sandhagen now will get his second shot at UFC gold and presents a novel stylistic problem for the reigning champion. When requested by John Anik in regards to the Sandhagen matchup, Longo shared his perspective on the matchup.
Ray Longo Acknowledges Cory Sandhagen’s Hazard, However Believes Merab’s Relentless Type Will Prevail
“I’ve at all times been an enormous Sandhagen fan since day one. I like his perspective, I like his method to all the pieces. Sandhagen is harmful, and you already know that is his one alternative.”
Cory Sandhagen has earned a popularity as probably the most deadly strikers within the division, with vicious knockout wins over former light-weight champion Frankie Edgar and prime contender Marlon Moraes.
Ray Longo adopted up by saying, “You clearly can’t fall asleep on a man like Sandhagen, however I feel he’s solely received one strategy to get Merab out of there. He’s received to decelerate a freight practice in entrance of him.” With respect to each aspect, Ray Longo see’s his fighter securing yet one more title protection, changing into one step nearer to being thought of the best of this era.
