Cory Sandhagen defeated Deiveson Figueiredo in the main event of the recently concluded UFC Des Moines. After the victory, Sandhagen called for a Bantamweight title fight, but Petr Yan, the former champion, expressed interest in a rematch with “The Sandman”.
Like Sandhagen, Yan also fought Figueiredo in his last fight, but he could only win by decision in the main event of UFC Macau. “No Mercy” recently disclosed who he will likely fight next, and fight fans don’t seem impressed.
MMA Netizens React to Petr Yan’s Potential Opponent if It’s Not Cory Sandhagen
Having fought Cory Sandhagen and Deiveson Figueiredo, Petr Yan disclosed in his interview with Submission Radio that he knew the former would win at UFC Des Moines. Yan also expressed interest in rematching Sandhagen.
“If Cory wants to fight, we can do a rematch, same time, July in Abu Dhabi, Fight Night. I can give him the rematch, and we will know who deserves the title fight,” Yan said.
“No Mercy” also addressed social media rumors of him fighting Marcus McGhee when Denis Shkuratov asked about it. “It’s not fake. We now, I want to will active in my sport career. I want to fight,” Yan replied.
Many fight fans on social media didn’t seem impressed with the matchmaking.
“This is the weirdest matchmaking ever,” a fan shared his feelings about the fight.
this is the weirdest matchmaking ever
— NWTS (@nthngwsthesame) May 6, 2025
“And the award for the most random matchmaking goes to…,” a fan seconded the thought.
And the award for the most random matchmaking goes to…
— RedWolf🐺 (@RedWolfMMA) May 6, 2025
“Who the fuck is McGhee,” another fan wrote.
Who the fuck is mcghee
— Mike (@Mike80349492) May 6, 2025
There were other reactions as well. A fan predicted McGhee to win the fight, writing: “Marcus could get it done very easily. Interesting match-up. Yan truly is anyone, anytime, any place.”
“Yan smokes him,” another fan said.
“Cory getting a title shot so this fight makes sense,” a fan agreed with the matchmaking.
Yan originally wanted to fight Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC Baku, which is set to be headlined by Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree Jr. Unfortunately, Nurmagomedov could only fight later this year as he suffered a hand injury during the Bantamweight title fight against Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 311.
Cory Sandhagen Responds to Petr Yan on Why He Deserves the Next Title Shot
After Cory Sandhagen’s victory over Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC Des Moines, Petr Yan shared an Instagram post applauding “The Sandman,” pointing out the fight’s outcome when they fought for the interim title at UFC 267, which “No Mercy” won via decision.
Sandhagen responded in kind, mentioning that Yan had already lost to Merab Dvalishvili and Sean O’Malley, who will fight for the Bantamweight title at UFC 316. He also pointed out that UFC 267 was on short notice as the promotion roped him in after Aljamain Sterling pulled out.
“We can find out who deserves it more in July, same place. No more “short notice” excuse for you son,” Yan responded.
In the present scenario, it seems likely that Sandhagen will get the next title shot. Both Dvalishvili and O’Malley have expressed interest in fighting “Sandman”. Moreover, Sandhagen is 4-1 in his last 5 fights, and the loss was against Umar Nurmagomedov, who recently fought for the title.