Vera vs Sandhagen Odds & Preview: Main Event Sizzles in San Antonio

Vera Leads the Underdogs in Back-and-Forth Bouts

Can Vera Continue Underdogs’ Success in Main Events?

Marlon Vera faces Cory Sandhagen in what is most likely a title eliminator for the bantamweight division. The Vera vs Sandhagen odds peg the former as the underdog (+140) even in the midst of a four-fight winning streak. But this is nothing new for Vera as he is 4-4 as an underdog in his UFC career. On top of that, he will look to be the next main event underdog to win as four of the last five have done this year.

Vera vs Sandhagen

Date, time:
Location: AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX
Broadcasts: ESPN

Sandhagen Not Impressed by Vera’s Style

Both Vera and Sandhagen are two of the UFC’s most prolific strikers. The two fight at a pace where at least 10 significant strikes are exchanged per minute. They are both lanky switch strikers. And they’re both in their prime at 30 years of age with a combined 31 fights in the promotion.

But whether it’s gamesmanship or something more, neither are big fans of the other. Sandhagen said he’s not impressed with Vera’s style of fighting in an interview with MMA Junkie.

“I think the way that he’s been winning is not a reliable way to win,” Sandhagen said. “When I think about some of the best fighters in the world or what I foresee myself trying to become, which is the best fighter in the world, it doesn’t involve a lot of unreliable winning. It involves strategically beating them in every moment and having just very reliable ways to win.”

Sandhagen is referring to how Vera tends to start slow. He absorbs a lot of damage before finding a way to either finish his opponent or outlast them for a decision. Vera absorbed more significant strikes than he landed in his last three fights, which he all won. This is likely why he’s the underdog on the Vera vs Sandhagen odds.

Vera Will Always Have that “Dog in Him”

Vera is a dog in more ways than one here. While it is true that he absorbs plenty of damage before rallying to win, he’s done it consistently enough that he’s one win away from a UFC title shot. The Ecuadorian has grit and an unflappable mind so Sandhagen’s verbal jabs don’t mean anything to him.

“He needs to convince himself of being OK to win,” Vera told MMA Junkie in reply to Sandhagen’s comments. “I don’t need to say anything about him to think I’m going to win. I’m going to win because I’m working this hard. So, if he thinks my style is not reliable or whatever he thinks, that’s on him.”

Sandhagen, on the flip side, outlanded almost every opponent he’s fought even in the fights he lost. He dropped contested decisions against former champions. As one of the busiest UFC fighters in terms of pace – 6.15 significant strikes landed per minute – Sandhagen (-170) will look to outwork Vera.

Fans or bettors should also expect the unexpected here. Those betting on UFC Fight Night will find the totals set at 4.5 rounds with the ‘over’ juiced to -150. Still, they have combined for 17 finishes in the UFC. Whether it’s a wheel kick, a front kick, or a stoppage due to a cut, betting the under 4.5 rounds at +120 may also be a good underdog shot.

Nate the “Train” and Other Action-Filled Matchups Line Main Card

If they had Vera vs Sandhagen odds for “Fight of the Night“, the bout will likely be favored. It will be a tough act to outdo but a slew of fights are scheduled before it will warm up the octagon. Nate “The Train” Landwehr, a fan favorite (and lucrative underdog), is in a featured bout against Austin Lingo.

Landwehr will be a -275 favorite, which is the shortest he’s been as a UFC fighter. He’s lost both bouts as one though Lingo (+215) proves to be a favorable matchup for him. Expect plenty of back and forth here with Landwehr pushing a relentless pace as he typically does.

Just before Landwehr and Lingo is a flyweight bout between Andrea “KGB” Lee and Maycee Barber. The odds favor the latter at -260 having won three straight bouts. Lee, the +200 underdog, looks to bounce back after a loss. Lee has had success as an underdog in the UFC like Vera and Landwehr.

Last but not least, Holly Holm returns to take on Yana Santos (formerly Kunitskaya) in the co-main event. The former champion is the -240 favorite with the comeback on Santos at +190.
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