Cory Sandhagen took a big step toward capturing the UFC bantamweight championship with a second-round TKO win over Marlon Moraes in the main event of UFC Fight Night 179 from Fight Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on Saturday.
The first round was a quick demonstration of the skill level of both fighters. Sandhagen attacked on his feet from multiple angles and levels, but Moraes was there to answer back with his hook in most cases. A high-level chess match was afoot with Sandhagen in control.
Aaron Bronsteter @aaronbronsteter10-9 Sandhagen after one. Sandhagen nearly doubling up Moraes on significant strikes based on the unofficial tally: 28-15
If the first round was a chess match, in the second round Sandhagen flipped all the pieces over and started beating Moraes with the board.