UFC Fighters Split Between ‘Magic’ And ‘Sandman’

Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images

Bantamweight contenders Marlon Moraes and Cory Sandhagen will battle in a crucial main event later tonight (Sat., Oct. 10, 2020) at UFC Fight Island 5 live on ESPN+ from inside Flash Forum on “Fight Island” in Abu Dhabi.

This is a massive fight at 135 pounds to say the least. Moraes has proven he’s one of the best bantamweight fighters in the world since making his UFC debut just over three years ago and Sandhagen is on the cusp of breaking out, even after getting submitted by Aljamain Sterling this past June.

Given the current landscape of the UFC’s bantamweight division both Moraes and Sandhagen could position themselves close to a title shot entering 2021 with a big win at UFC Fight Island 5. Sterling will get the next crack at current UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan, but the next spot in line is wide open, especially with Cody Garbrandt moving down to flyweight.

So who wins this crucial weekend clash between Moraes and Sandhagen? Let the following pro fighters answer that question in detail.

Eddie Alvarez, former UFC lightweight champion (via Fightful)

“Marlon Moraes, that’s my mini-me, all day. All day.”

Johnny Walker, UFC light heavyweight

“I gotta go with Marlon. He has looked great in every single fight of his, even the ones he loses. He’s a tough guy, he’s quick, he has great striking. I really enjoy guys who have striking like he does. I see a quick knockout for him. I think he gets back on track to fight for that title.”

Vicente Luque, UFC welterweight

“Marlon Moraes. He is a really tough guy. He fought against really high-level guys. He has a lot of experience. I know the way he fights. He has power, he can knock people out, he can submit people. He is very dangerous and very efficient.”

Hunter Azure, UFC bantamweight (via BJPenn.com)

“That is a good one but I think Sandhagen will get it done. If he can get out of that first and second round, his gas tank will be the difference.”

Casey Kenney, UFC bantamweight

“I think Sandhagen. He will use his distance well to avoid the power of Moraes and be able to piece him apart eventually.”

Kyler Phillips, UFC bantamweight

“That looks like a good fight. I got Sandhagen. Moraes is no slouch and has good footwork and insane power. Sandhagen has the reach, good footwork, uses his jab, and uses good angles.”

Yorgan De Castro, UFC heavyweight

“Marlon Moraes by KO.”

Giga Chikadze, UFC featherweight

“I believe Marlon will get it done. He has always been one of the best bantamweights.”

Tyson Nam, UFC flyweight

“I like Moraes in that one. I’ve faced him before and I know how dangerous he is.”

Youssef Zalal, UFC featherweight

“Cory Sandhagen for sure.”

Modestas Bukauskas, UFC light heavyweight

“I have to go with Sandhagen.”

Damon Jackson, UFC featherweight

“This is such a close fight it could go either way. I’ll lean towards Sandhagen but man that is a tough one.”

MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC Fight Island 5 fight card right HERE, starting with the ESPN+ “Prelims” matches, which are scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. ET, then the remaining main card balance at 8 p.m. ET (also on ESPN+).

To check out the latest and greatest UFC Fight Island 5: “Moraes vs. Sandhagen” news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive event archive right here.