Henry Cejudo, who returned from a three-year layoff, was granted an immediate title shot, which was not met with much hostility, due to the fact that he retired as the champion without ever being defeated. However, after losing a split decision to Aljamain Sterling in the UFC 288 main event, he called out Merab Dvailishvili, who is currently on a nine-fight winning streak in the bantamweight division, resulting in Cory Sandhagen denouncing Henry’s second chance.

Also having had his eye on the fight with Dvailishvili, Sandhagen sees himself better equipped to land the fight with Dvailishvili since Cejudo has already received his desired title opportunity.

Sandhagen, who has had a spot near the top of the bantamweight rankings for several years, with his only losses coming against a trio of ex-UFC champions, Sterling, T.J. Dillashaw, and Petr Yan, is now on a two-fight winning streak with a notable victory over Marlon Vera and a TKO win over Song Yadong.

Having Sterling now set to fight Sean O’Malley at UFC 292, Sandhagen sees Dvailishvili as his natural next opponent, with the winner most likely to be in a position to challenge the bantamweight champion.

Sandhagen does not care much about when his next fight happens, but who it happens against. He believes that the fight that makes the most sense on paper is him and Dvailishvili for a No.1 contender fight. He trusts the UFC to provide him with options soon, and as long as he has time to prepare, he is cool with whatever decision is made. While Dvailishvili is his top option, Sandhagen would not mind fighting Cejudo, but he wants to ensure he moves closer to a title shot.

Sandhagen understands how crucial his next fight is, given that it could be life-changing for him. Regardless of whether it is Dvailishvili or Cejudo, he is up for the challenge, provided that a No.1 title contender fight is guaranteed. As long as it is a fight that moves him in his career, he is willing to wait for an opponent like Dvailishvili.