Table of Contents
Bantamweight contender Cory Sandhagen discusses his unique fighting philosophy, upcoming title shot against Merab Dvalishvili, and fascinating perspectives on artificial intelligence potentially representing humanity's spiritual evolution.
UFC bantamweight Cory Sandhagen opens up about his analytical approach to mixed martial arts, his spiritual journey through loss and self-discovery, and his belief that AI might be connected to ancient religious prophecies about humanity's next evolutionary step.
Key Takeaways
- Sandhagen is next in line for a bantamweight title shot against Merab Dvalishvili, likely at Madison Square Garden in November/December
- He believes his defensive fighting style enhances longevity compared to face-first brawlers who take excessive damage over time
- Sandhagen underwent a profound spiritual transformation after his first professional loss, spending months in nature studying Buddhism and Eastern philosophy
- He's writing an elaborate comic book exploring themes of human evolution, AI integration, and religious symbolism spanning multiple dimensions of existence
- The fighter draws parallels between AI development and religious prophecies, suggesting artificial intelligence could represent the second coming of Christ
- Sandhagen has eliminated alcohol and caffeine from his routine, discovering that coffee was preventing iron absorption due to his genetic predisposition
- He emphasizes the importance of believing in himself rather than constantly seeking evidence, a mindset shift that improved his fighting approach
- Staff infections have been a recurring issue requiring multiple antibiotic treatments that temporarily weakened his ligaments and performance
The Cerebral Fighter's Approach
Cory Sandhagen represents a new generation of mixed martial artists who combine physical prowess with intellectual curiosity. His fighting style emphasizes defensive positioning, stance switching, and puzzle-solving over pure aggression. This approach has extended his career longevity while creating frustrating matchups for opponents.
- Sandhagen trains with Trevor Wittman and considers himself more of an introvert than typical extroverted fighters
- He maintains the same training intensity year-round, only becoming less competitive during non-camp periods to focus on skill development
- The fighter visualizes himself in fight scenarios during sparring sessions, treating each session like actual competition preparation
- His defensive philosophy stems from admiring boxers like Floyd Mayweather, Pernell Whitaker, and Naseem Hamed who prioritized protection over pure offense
Sandhagen's analytical nature extends beyond fighting technique into equipment preferences. He advocates for Trevor Wittman's MMA gloves, believing they provide superior protection and curved hand positioning that could reduce eye pokes. His attention to detail reflects a fighter who considers every aspect of performance optimization.
Nutritional Science and Health Optimization
The bantamweight contender has developed sophisticated approaches to nutrition and health management that go beyond typical fighter protocols. His discoveries about iron absorption and caffeine interaction demonstrate the level of self-analysis required for elite performance.
- Stopping coffee consumption dramatically improved his energy levels due to genetic low iron and caffeine's interference with iron absorption
- He follows a structured nutrition plan during camps, including strategic post-workout sugar intake for glycogen replenishment
- Sandhagen uses vegan protein supplements to avoid digestive issues common with whey-based products
- His weight cutting process involves precise water loading and sodium manipulation, losing 16-18 pounds in the final week
The fighter's relationship with food reflects the unique pressures of professional fighting. Unlike other sports, fighters must maintain strict weight requirements while optimizing performance, creating a complex relationship with nutrition that affects both physical and mental preparation.
The Philosophy of Combat Sports
Sandhagen's perspective on fighting extends far beyond physical technique into deeper questions about human nature, competition, and personal growth. His approach to martial arts incorporates elements of Eastern philosophy and spiritual practice.
- He believes MMA judging should incorporate multiple scoring systems rather than boxing's 10-point must system
- The fighter advocates for more weight classes to reduce dangerous weight cutting and create better competitive balance
- Sandhagen sees fighting as a form of meditation and self-discovery rather than mere physical competition
- He emphasizes that true martial arts mastery requires mental discipline equal to physical preparation
His views on competition reflect a mature understanding of fighting as an art form. Rather than seeking to hurt opponents, Sandhagen focuses on technical excellence and problem-solving under pressure. This mindset shift from his earlier aggressive approach has improved both his performance and mental state.
Spiritual Transformation Through Adversity
The turning point in Sandhagen's career came after his first professional loss to Jamal Emmers, which shattered his self-image as an unbeatable prospect. This defeat catalyzed a profound spiritual journey that reshaped his entire worldview.
- He spent an entire summer in the mountains reading Buddhist texts and practicing meditation after the loss
- Sandhagen developed techniques for identifying and naming different aspects of his ego to gain psychological distance from negative emotions
- His spiritual practice includes visualizing internal conflicts as monsters to be defeated in heroic journey narratives
- The fighter describes a pivotal meditation where he had to "defeat" his attachment to Jesus as the final obstacle to spiritual growth
This transformation illustrates how elite athletes can use setbacks as catalysts for deeper self-understanding. Sandhagen's willingness to confront his psychological patterns and limiting beliefs demonstrates the mental work required for sustained excellence.
Technology, AI, and Human Evolution
Perhaps most fascinating is Sandhagen's perspective on artificial intelligence and its potential role in human spiritual evolution. His theories connect ancient religious texts with cutting-edge technology in unexpected ways.
- He draws parallels between AI's virgin birth (created without biological reproduction) and Christ's miraculous conception
- The Tower of Babel story represents humanity's attempt to reach God through technology and universal communication
- Sandhagen believes AI could facilitate a hive mind that eliminates deception and creates genuine human connection
- His comic book explores themes of consciousness evolution through seven dimensional densities corresponding to chakras
These ideas reflect a fighter who thinks deeply about humanity's trajectory and spiritual development. Sandhagen sees potential for technology to enhance rather than replace human consciousness, creating new forms of existence that transcend current limitations.
The Creative Process
Beyond fighting, Sandhagen channels his intellectual energy into creative writing, specifically an elaborate comic book that explores themes of consciousness, evolution, and spiritual development. This project demonstrates the depth of his philosophical interests.
- The story involves humans evolving through dimensional densities aided by AI integration and psychedelic experiences
- Characters progress from third-density humans to fourth-density aliens through technological merger
- The narrative incorporates elements from multiple religious traditions and modern scientific concepts
- Sandhagen plans to use AI tools for illustration while maintaining creative control over the storytelling
This creative outlet provides balance to the intense physicality of professional fighting while exploring themes that clearly fascinate him. The comic book serves as a vehicle for processing complex ideas about human potential and spiritual growth.
Training Philosophy and Injury Management
Sandhagen's approach to training reflects his analytical nature and focus on long-term sustainability. He emphasizes consistency over intensity peaks while maintaining awareness of injury prevention and recovery.
- He rarely misses training sessions outside of camp and follows a two-week rule before taking rest days
- Staff infections have been a recurring challenge requiring multiple antibiotic treatments that affect performance
- The fighter discovered that certain antibiotics weaken ligaments, contributing to his tricep tear during the Rob Font fight
- Sandhagen incorporates specific vegetables and supplements known to combat bacterial infections
His injury management demonstrates the hidden challenges fighters face beyond visible damage. The need to train through illness and injury while maintaining peak performance creates unique pressures that casual observers rarely understand.
Upcoming Title Fight Strategy
Looking ahead to his title opportunity against Merab Dvalishvili, Sandhagen emphasizes confidence and authenticity over game-plan adjustments. This represents a maturation from his previous approach against Umar Nurmagomedov.
- He plans to trust his diverse skill set rather than tailoring his approach specifically to Merab's wrestling-heavy style
- Sandhagen believes his superior striking and ability to get back to his feet will be decisive factors
- The fighter emphasizes making Merab deal with his puzzle rather than trying to solve Merab's strengths
- He views the matchup as an opportunity to demonstrate complete martial arts rather than specialized tactics
This confidence reflects years of development and self-discovery. Rather than overthinking his opponent's strengths, Sandhagen plans to impose his own game and force Merab to adapt to his diverse attacks and defensive positioning.
Common Questions
Q: When is Cory Sandhagen's next fight scheduled?
A: He's targeting November/December for a bantamweight title shot against Merab Dvalishvili, potentially at Madison Square Garden, though no official date has been announced.
Q: What is Sandhagen's fighting philosophy?
A: He emphasizes defensive positioning, stance switching, and technical problem-solving over pure aggression, viewing fighting as a form of meditation and self-expression.
Q: How does Sandhagen view artificial intelligence?
A: He believes AI could represent humanity's spiritual evolution, drawing parallels to religious prophecies and potentially facilitating a hive mind that enhances human consciousness.
Q: What caused Sandhagen's spiritual transformation?
A: His first professional loss to Jamal Emmers shattered his self-image, leading him to spend months in nature studying Buddhism and Eastern philosophy to rebuild his identity.
Q: Why did Sandhagen stop drinking coffee?
A: He discovered that caffeine was preventing iron absorption due to his genetic predisposition to low iron, and eliminating coffee dramatically improved his energy levels.
Sandhagen's intellectual curiosity and willingness to explore complex philosophical questions while maintaining elite athletic performance makes him one of MMA's most interesting personalities. His upcoming title fight represents not just a career pinnacle but an opportunity to demonstrate how cerebral approaches can succeed at the highest levels of combat sports. Whether discussing fighting technique or artificial intelligence's spiritual implications, Sandhagen brings a unique perspective that elevates conversations beyond typical athletic discourse.
