Striking

Petr Yan and Cory Sandhagen both showcased exceptional striking skills in their matchup. Yan's ability to utilize angles and counter-punch effectively was evident throughout the fight.

Sandhagen, on the other hand, employed diverse and unorthodox techniques, including spinning attacks and front kicks, which kept Yan on his toes.

• Yan's jab and low kicks were fundamental in dictating the pace.
• Sandhagen's reach and footwork allowed him to evade many strikes.

Grappling

While both fighters are primarily strikers, grappling played a subtle role in their contest. Yan has an underrated wrestling base which he used to neutralize Sandhagen at critical moments.

Sandhagen demonstrated solid defensive grappling; however, his takedown attempts were not as effective against Yan’s well-timed counters.

• Yan successfully defended against most takedown attempts.
• Sandhagen showed resilience in getting back to his feet after grappling exchanges.

Fight IQ

Both fighters exhibited high fight IQ with their strategic approaches. Yan displayed patience, choosing to counter and wait for openings, showcasing his ability to adapt during the fight.

Sandhagen’s creativity in striking and ability to change rhythm made it challenging for Yan, though he sometimes struggled to capitalize on opportunities.

• Yan is known for making adjustments mid-fight effectively.
• Sandhagen's unpredictability can create openings but may also lead to overextending.

Recent Form

Both fighters came into this match with notable momentum. Yan was looking to rebound from previous losses and showcased a more aggressive style.

Sandhagen, coming off an impressive victory, aimed to solidify his status in the title contention conversation.

• Yan showed improved output, emphasizing volume and accuracy.
• Sandhagen maintained confidence and creativity in his striking game.

Prediction

In analyzing their strategies and skills, it appears that Yan's experience and adaptive fight style give him an edge in this matchup. While Sandhagen's unpredictability is a significant factor, Yan's ability to control the pace and exploit openings may lead him to victory.

Expect a closely contested bout, but if Yan can capitalize on his grappling and striking accuracy, he is likely to emerge victorious.