Cory Sandhagen recorded the biggest win of his career tonight, by outscoring bantamweight contender John Lineker at UFC Fort Lauderdale.
Sandhagen came out with a lot of movement while Lineker, as expected, looked to counter with big, winging hooks. As the opening round neared its end, the exchanges increased, and the much taller Sandhagen began to find his mark more often.
Lineker stepped up his attacks early into round two, but Sandhagen defended well and returned fire. Midway through the round, Sandhagen shot in and eventually took Lineker to the floor. Lineker quickly got back to his feet, and not long after, he scored with a takedown. Sandhagen defended a follow-up neck crank and got back to his feet.
Round three saw more of the same. Lineker occasionally blitzed in with big hooks, but Sandhagen continued to outscore the slugger from the outside. Lineker picked up the pace in the final minutes, and after tagging the rising bantamweight he slapped on a tight looking, guillotine choke. Sandhagen held on, however, and the final horn went.
Two of the judges saw the fight for Sandhagen, handing him the pivotal win.
Here the results so far for UFC Fort Lauderdale.
Cory Sandhagen def. John Lineker via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Roosevelt Roberts def. Thomas Gifford via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Takashi Sato def. Ben Saunders via TKO (punches & elbows) R2, 1:18
Augusto Sakai def. Andrei Arlovski via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Carla Esparza def. Virna Jandiroba via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Gilbert Burns def. Mike Davis via submission (rear-naked-choke) R2, 4:15
Jim Miller def. Jason Gonzalez via submission (rear-naked choke) R1, 2:12
Angela Hill def. Jodie Esquibel via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Dhiego Lima def. Court McGee via split decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)
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