Yan took his familiar approach in the highly anticipated interim title clash, displaying patience and an economic approach to his output through the opening five minutes, falling behind a round as Sandhagen fought from in the pocket, focused on staying in the former champion’s face.
It would be the only round Sandhagen would win on the official scorecards.
Much like in the fight with Sterling earlier in the year, Yan fought his way into a rhythm, the effectiveness of his attacks and the efficiency of his approach standing out as the two stood toe-to-toe for the remaining four rounds. Though Sandhagen was game, the former champion was sharper, quicker and cleaner, connecting on 55 percent of his significant strikes over the course of the 25-minute affair.
The scores were 49-46 across the board, and Yan once again had UFC gold wrapped around his waist, albeit of the interim variety. He’d turned in a dominant effort against an outstanding talent, closing out his 2021 campaign with the type of performance that was meant to further distance him from the pack in everything had gone as planned.
Instead, it ensured a championship rematch with Sterling would take place.
At the start of the UFC’s 2022 campaign, it feels like déjà vu all over again as the great Yogi Berra once said for Yan and the bantamweight division.
Once again, he’s waiting to share the cage with Aljamain Sterling, with championship gold still hanging in the balance, and the ability to call oneself the best bantamweight in the world awaiting the victor.