Cory Sandhagen Snubs Jon Jones and Hands This Legend ‘Best USA Fighter’ Title

Ahead of UFC 320, Cory Sandhagen snubs Jon Jones and picks Chuck Liddell as the best American fighter in UFC history.

Cory Sandhagen Snubs Jon Jones and Hands This Legend ‘Best USA Fighter’ Title

Cory Sandhagen snubs Jon Jones (via MMA Mania)

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In the world of mixed martial arts where legacies are built on dominance and influence, opinions about the greatest fighters often vary. Recently, a notable perspective from UFC 320 title challenger Cory Sandhagen emerged when he snubbed former UFC double champion Jon Jones as the best fighter to come out of the United States of America.

Jones, often regarded as one of the sport’s all-time greats, holds the record as the youngest UFC champion and has achieved multiple title defenses across two weight classes. His accolades include victories over top-tier fighters and a reputation for dominance inside the octagon. Despite these accomplishments, many have snubbed him from the GOAT conversation due to his controversies.

Ahead of UFC 320, Sandhagen was asked to name the most talented American fighter in UFC history. In a surprising move, Sandhagen selected Chuck Liddell over Jones. He praised Liddell’s impact during the mid-2000s, highlighting his reign as light heavyweight champion and his series of knockout victories over legends like Tito Ortiz and Randy Couture.

Separately, former UFC champion and analyst Daniel Cormier also omitted Jones from his “UFC Mount Rushmore” selections. Cormier cited Jones’s history with performance-enhancing drugs as a factor in his decision, emphasizing the importance of clean competition when evaluating all-time greats. However, Jones did not appreciate Cormier’s comments and replied in distaste.

Liddell’s career achievements are extensive and measurable. He compiled a 16–7 record in the UFC and held light heavyweight gold from 2005 to 2007. He defended the title four times and was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2009. His dominant knockouts earned him the nickname the ‘Iceman’ and made him the promotion’s first mainstream superstar during a critical period of growth.

Cory Sandhagen also named lightweight kingpin Ilia Topuria as the current top UFC fighter and bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili as the best 135-pounder, acknowledging that his opinions may evolve after their UFC 320 bout. His choices, combined with Liddell’s historical impact, illustrate the ongoing debates over how to measure greatness, influence, and integrity in MMA.

Cory Sandhagen reveals game plan heading into UFC 320

In mixed martial arts, fighters often revisit their past performances to refine strategies and approaches for upcoming bouts. Adjustments and tactical shifts are a standard part of preparation at the highest levels of competition. Cory Sandhagen recently addressed his approach for his next fight and title shot against Merab Dvalishvili.

Cory Sandhagen vs Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 320
Cory Sandhagen vs Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 320 (via Bloody Elbow)

Sandhagen’s style has served him well in previous high-level bouts. Notable victories include his wins over Deiveson Figueiredo, Frankie Edgar, and Marlon Vera, where his ability to control distance, mix striking combinations, and remain unpredictable helped him secure decisive outcomes. However, going into UFC 320, Sandhagen revealed a change in his game plan after Dvalishvili himself promised a new version.

I’ve made mistakes in past fights against guys similar to Merab, where I was a little too defensive. This time I’m all offense, and it’s going to be Merab who has to deal with me.

Cory Sandhagen via UFC

Heading into UFC 320 against the Georgian champion, Cory Sandhagen is leveraging the lessons from his prior fights. By emphasizing a more offensive and proactive game plan, he aims to dictate the pace and force Dvalishvili into a reactive role.

This is exactly what he lacked when he faced Umar Nurmagomedov last year. The Dagestani fighter mixed in wrestling and striking that left ‘Sandman’ too defensive at times. Nurmagomedov did the bare minimum to outstrike Sandhagen and win the bout via unanimous decision. Going defensive against Dvalishvili is something the American fighter needs to avoid at all times.

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