UFC Vegas 18: Cory Sandhagan vs. Frankie Edgar Picks, Odds and Predictions

Cory Sandhagen and Frankie Edgar are the co-main event at UFC Vegas 18 on Saturday, February 6, 2021 on ESPN+. 

In this bantamweight (135lb) bout, we have Cory Sandhagen vs. Frankie Edgar. Sandhagen is fighting out of Aurora, Colorado. He is entering this bout as a -400 favorite. He won his last fight against Marlon Moraes via TKO in the second round. Before his last win, he was finished by Aljamain Sterling via rear neaked choke in the first round. Sandhagen has notable wins against Raphael Assuncao, John Linkeker, Mario Bautitta, and Austin Arnett. He has a professional MMA record of 13-2-0 and has 5 wins by KO/TKO (38%), 3 submissions (23%), and 5 decisions (38%). 

Edgar is fighting out of Toms River, New Jersey. He is entering this fight as a +325 underdog. He won his last bout against Pedro Munhoz via split decision in August 2020. Before his last win, he was on a two fight losing streak. He lost to Chan Sung Jung and Max Holloway, but you can’t put too much stock into these losses. He has a professional MMA record of 24-8-0 and has 7 wins via KO/TKO (29%), 4 submissions (17%), and 13 decisions (54%).  

Sandhagen is next in line for the bantamweight title shot if he beats Edgar. In my opinion, he didn’t need to accept this fight, but this topic is still up for debate. Frankie Edgar is undeniably a threat to any Bantamweight in the UFC. His durability, wrestling skills and experience, are reasons why no bantamweight should underestimate him. In contrast, I do think Sandhagen will win this fight. Sandhagen has quick output and volume when he’s on the feet. He knows that if he wins this fight, he will be fighting the winner of Aljamain Sterling and Petr Yan. After this fight, Cory won’t probably fight again until late this year, possibly even as late as December. After Aljamain and Yan fight on March 6, 2021, both fighters will probably have a six month medical suspension from the athletic commission. Personally, Sanhagen is one of my favorite UFC contenders. Sandhagen will win this fight and he will be fighting the winner of Sterling versus Yan. There is no value betting on Sandhagen as a -400 favorite. The value is in a prop bet. For the reasons above, my pick is…