Will Vera Vs. Sandhagen Winner Secure Title Shot? | Ufc On Espn 43 Preview

On Saturday in San Antonio, a key bantamweight bout will take place. This fight could potentially determine the next title challenger at 135 pounds, or maybe not. Welcome to MMA Junkie's coverage of UFC on ESPN 43, or is it UFC on ESP, or maybe UFC on San Antonio? These names are hard to keep up with!

Joining me in this discussion is Oscar Willis from The Mac Life. Oscar, an undefeated amateur fighter, is here to share his thoughts on the upcoming fights.

Let's begin with the main event. It is said that this fight could determine the number one contender at 135 pounds. However, Oscar disagrees. He believes that the upcoming Aljamain Sterling vs. Henry Cejudo fight will have more influence on the title picture. But he does think that the winner of this fight between Sean O'Malley and his opponent could face the winner of Sterling vs. Cejudo to truly determine the number one contender.

Oscar also expresses his admiration for Sean O'Malley and states that the UFC loves him. He believes that a fight between O'Malley and the winner of this Saturday's bout would be a big draw. However, he emphasizes that, despite O'Malley's flashy wins, he still lacks a signature victory. So, while a win over him would be significant, it wouldn't necessarily guarantee the winner a title shot.

Moving on to Corey Sandhagen, Oscar acknowledges his one-win streak since losing to Peter Yan. He notes that Sandhagen has been on a great run lately and could potentially make a big statement with a viral-worthy performance against his opponent. However, Oscar believes that the UFC favors O'Malley and is more likely to match him up with the winner of this fight. He mentions that O'Malley's popularity has been growing, especially after his victory over Dominick Cruz, and another highlight-reel knockout could solidify his position as a possible title contender.

Oscar also reflects on the importance of this fight for Sandhagen. He mentions that if Sandhagen fails to secure a win on Saturday, it may indicate that there is a ceiling to his potential. Although Sandhagen is an impressive fighter, a loss might suggest that he struggles against a certain caliber of opponents, like TJ Dillashaw and Peter Yan. However, Oscar maintains that a victory for Sandhagen would still demonstrate his skill and talent, even if it doesn't necessarily push him into the elite level just yet.

When discussing the co-main event between Holly Holm and Yana Kunitskaya, the question arises about Holm's role in the division. At 41 years old, does she have a chance at another title run, or is she destined to become a gatekeeper for the division? Oscar believes that while the bantamweight division may not be rich with contenders, Holm's name value and her six-fight deal with the UFC ensure that she will continue to feature in main event fights. He adds that if the circumstances align correctly, Holm could still have an opportunity for a title shot, especially if Amanda Nunes decides to retire.

On the other hand, if Yana Kunitskaya defeats Holm, it could potentially catapult her into the title picture. Oscar acknowledges that Kunitskaya has shown improvement since her loss to Cris Cyborg, and a win over Holm could solidify her as a future contender. However, he notes that it might still take some time for her to earn a title shot, given the current landscape of the division.

Oscar also highlights the Andrea Lee vs. Macy Barber fight on the card. He mentions that Barber, despite her knee injury, remains a top prospect in the division. He believes that a win over Lee could potentially set up a rematch with Alexa Grasso. However, he predicts that matchups against other rising prospects like Erin Blanchfield will likely happen before a title shot becomes a possibility for Barber.

In conclusion, UFC on ESPN 43 presents an exciting lineup of fights with potential title implications. While the winners of the main and co-main events could find themselves in the title picture, the division's landscape and the presence of other talented contenders make it difficult to predict who will ultimately earn a shot at the belt. Regardless, fans can expect thrilling performances and the continued rise of impressive fighters in the bantamweight division.