Cory Sandhagen is only 10 years into his MMA professional career but by 2023, sat comfortably on the No. 4 position in the UFC Bantamweight rankings.
His thirst for more titles and bigger things has made him eager to fight and win more bouts so he can attain the ‘champion title’.
Outside of his professional MMA life, Cory is a lover who has been in a relationship since 2018. He is also a coach and works a part-time job at a trauma center.
Cory Sandhagen Started off with Basketball
‘The Sandman’ as he is fondly called, was born in Aurora, Colorado on April 20, 1992. He attended a school at his birthplace known as Smoky Hill High School. After graduating from high school, he went on to the University of Colorado where he studied psychology.
While in school, the fighter was part of the basketball team and played the sport for quite a while, since his youthful days.
Along the line, Cory discovered he had a bigger fascination for combat sports. This new interest prompted him to get into kickboxing and he won a lot of World Kickboxing Association titles.
His interest in MMA and his eventual transition to it came after he won the WKA World title in kickboxing.
Asides from the aforementioned, Cory is also skilled in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu which he learned under the tutelage of Eliot Marshall. He even has a brown belt in the martial art.
The 5 ft 11in bantamweight fighter has a reach of 70 and is obviously fluent in using the kickboxing style. He is part of the Elevation Fight Team where he started the year he made his LFA debut.
He became a Fighter in 2015 and attained the 4th Position in Bantamweight Rankings within 8 Years
When he transitioned from kickboxing to MMA, Cory Sandhagen started off at the Legacy Fighting Alliance. His debut fight was on February 24, 2017, although he became a professional fighter in 2015. He lost his first fight that day against Jamall Emmers.
By January 27, 2018, Cory had once again shifted from LFA to the UFC. His promotional debut match was against Austin Arnett and he won the fight.
Over the years, he kept fighting and moving up in ranks, and as of July 2023, he had amazed more wins than losses.
In addition to a great UFC stint, The Sandman also reached the 4th position in the UFC bantamweight rankings. However, he is not satisfied with just being in the top 5.
Cory eyes the championship and has laid down a target for getting there. His aim is for a championship title after defeating Rob Font. Subsequently, he eyes a fight against Aljamain Sterling as revenge, then aims for the belt.
Cory Sandhagen Has a Fiancé
Many people say Cory Sandhagen looks like the American actor, Ryan Reynold and maybe they are right. However, just like Ryan, Cory has found his Blake Lively. Well, more like found himself his Erica Ueda.
Sandhagen and Ueda have been in a relationship since 2017 and they celebrate their anniversary on October 17 every year, since then.
On August 14, 2021, Cory Sandhagen posted a picture of him and Erica, and in the caption he referred to her as his ‘Feyonce’. On Erica’s finger was a ring although she didn’t flaunt it.
What the satisfied couple flaunted were their smiles, in the photo.
Erica’s Instagram account is set to private but she has been featured a lot of times on Cory’s. Over the years, she has been with him on different adventures including hikes and formal or family gatherings.
They have been engaged for 4 years now but there hasn’t been any update about their wedding yet. Also, the couple has not welcomed any child together yet. At least, that’s what their social media updates (do not) reveal.
He is Invested in Teaching and Taking Care of Children
When Cory Sandhagen isn’t at the gym preparing for a match or just keeping fit, he engages in other helpful activities. The 33-year-old fighter serves as a coach at High Altitude Martial Arts located in Aurora. He has been a team member there since 2010 and now, also teaches mixed martial arts.
Sandhagen also avails himself as a part-time worker at a trauma center for children. He helps in whatever way he can to make life better for children who have been through devastating experiences.
The UFC Fighter is also a Businessman
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In addition to making career earnings of $500,000 according to tapology.com, the MMA Fighter also makes money from business. Cory is a brand ambassador for Canna River, a wellness product used by athletes and others.
He also owns a merch line known as ‘Sandman’ and sells a variety of clothing from shirts to trousers and caps.
On the official site for this business, Cory also has a course that can be bought for a fee. He also has autographed merch and other apparel.
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