Sandhagen vs Dvalishvili for undisputed bantamweight title at UFC 320

Cory Sandhagen will get his first shot at an undisputed UFC title when he challenges bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili in the co-main event of UFC 320 on Oct. 4 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The matchup pairs a challenger known for finishing ability against a champion with a long unbeaten run and a record-setting wrestling engine, and carries implications for the divisional pecking order and individual legacies.

Sandhagen earned the opportunity after a stoppage win over former two-time champion Deiveson Figueiredo in May and has won four of his last five fights. The 135-pound contender said he was filming a comedy skit when he received the call informing him of the title shot, a moment captured on video. He has previously challenged for interim gold, losing a five-round unanimous decision to Petr Yan at UFC 267 in 2021, and has cited legacy goals that include rematches with Yan and undefeated contender Umar Nurmagomedov should he unseat Dvalishvili.

Dvalishvili arrives at the event riding a 13-fight win streak and seeking his third bantamweight title defense. The Georgian champion is widely noted for his wrestling, cardio and pace, and holds the UFC record for most...