UFC 320 Predictions- Merab Dvalishvili vs Cory Sandhagen Preview, Predictions And MMA Betting Odds

The bantamweight division has always been a showcase for pure technical skill. These smaller fighters move faster, strike cleaner, and often display the most complete mixed martial arts games in the UFC. Merab Dvalishvili vs Cory Sandhagen represents a fascinating clash of styles that will determine who holds championship gold at 135 pounds at UFC 320.

Dvalishvili earned his UFC title through sheer persistence and an absolutely relentless fighting style. Meanwhile, Sandhagen has been knocking on the door of another title opportunity after coming up short against previous champions but consistently proving he belongs in elite company. The chess match between these two fighters should call for an excellent show for fans.

Merab Dvalishvili vs Cory Sandhagen Preview

The physical differences between these fighters couldn’t be more stark. Dvalishvili stands just 5’6″ with a 68 inch reach. Sandhagen (18-5) towers over him at 5’11” with a 70 inch reach, giving him substantial advantages in distance management. Sandhagen lands 5.06 significant strikes per minute with 45% accuracy, outpacing Dvalishvili’s 4.31 strikes per minute at 42% accuracy. However, Dvalishvili absorbs fewer strikes at 2.48 per minute compared to Sandhagen’s 3.34. Both fighters share identical 56% striking defense, suggesting neither has a clear defensive advantage on the feet.

The grappling statistics tell the real story of this fight. Dvalishvili holds the UFC record for total takedowns with 97 across 15 fights, averaging an absolutely bonkers 5.84 takedowns per 15 minutes. His 35% takedown accuracy might not seem impressive, but the sheer volume means he’s constantly threatening to drag opponents down. Sandhagen attempts far fewer takedowns at 1.28 per fight with similar 34% accuracy. The critical number is Sandhagen’s 63% takedown defense. Dvalishvili’s relentless shooting style could exploit that vulnerability throughout five rounds.

Merab Dvalishvili vs Cory Sandhagen MMA Betting Odds

The betting market heavily favors the champion defending his title successfully. According to FanDuel, Merab Dvalishvili sits at -390, making him a significant favorite. Meanwhile, Cory Sandhagen comes back at +280 as a substantial underdog. Those odds reflect Dvalishvili’s recent dominance and the effectiveness of his grinding style.

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The odds for the fight going the distance have also come out. The odds for the fight seeing the judges scorecards stand at -320. The probability of the fight ending before the final bell is lower and the odds (+230) reflect that.

Merab Dvalishvili vs Cory Sandhagen Predictions And Picks

Dvalishvili’s wrestling and pressure have overwhelmed everyone recently, but Sandhagen possesses the exact toolkit that traditionally gives wrestlers problems. Long strikers with good takedown defense and submission skills can neutralize grinding wrestlers. Sandhagen has fought high-level competition throughout his career and understands how to manage distance against aggressive opponents.

Dvalishvili’s strength lies in his ability to simply refuse to be beaten. He doesn’t accept losing position, never stops working, and maintains a pace that eventually cracks even the best fighters. His wrestling credentials and takedown volume should eventually put Sandhagen on his back repeatedly. The question becomes whether Sandhagen can land enough damage on the feet to slow the champion down or catch him with something significant. His length and striking accuracy give him opportunities to hurt Dvalishvili coming in.

If we bet on the fight, we are going with Merab Dvalishvili to win via unanimous decision.

(All odds taken from FanDuel. Bet on the most up-to-date MMA odds, lines, and spreads with FanDuel Sportsbook)

(Image Credit: Vincent Carchietta – Imagn Images)

Zaid Quraishi

mma

I am a dedicated MMA and Boxing content writer at The Playoffs. I was instantly hooked on MMA after watching the fight between Lyoto Machida vs. Gegard Mousasi back in 2014, and since then, i have been an avid writer with a deep love for the sport and its techniques, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the sport. My favorite aspect of working at The Playoffs is the creative freedom it provides. The diverse range of topics, from listicles and SEO to news articles, keeps me engaged and motivates me to continuously improve my skills! I aim to capture the excitement of the combat sports world in my writing, acting as the middleman between fighters and their die-hard fans. It is kind of like a referee, but with words!