Why Cory Sandhagen feels sorry for Yadong

“I felt like my eyes were still working, and my fifth round was going to be good – and I wanted to know that,” Sandhagen said.

“So that was kind of a bummer. These people I’m fighting, I feel like I have more in common with them than most people, so when I see something upsetting happen to them and the fight is over, I have a lot of compassion for that person. I know I’d be pretty bummed if I just had that happen to me. I feel a little bummed for Song. I’m going home the winner, because I cut him. I’ll take it.”

“Song’s a hell of a fighter, man,” Sandhagen said.

“I knew that he was going to be super tough. The guy hits really hard. He defended the takedowns really well. I think I was starting to figure him out as the fight was going on, so I was really looking forward to a fifth round. I felt good. I felt fresh.”