Full Breakdown
Sandhagen’s Hamstring Injury After Knee-Bar Loss to Mario Bautista at UFC 329
7/14/2026, 8:54:31 AM
Fight Outcome and Injury Details
On Saturday, July 13 2026, UFC 329’s bantamweight main card at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas featured a rematch between Cory Sandhagen and Mario Bautista. Early in the first round, Bautista transitioned from a Suloev stretch to a kneebar that hyper-extended Sandhagen’s leg. Sandhagen returned to his feet but limped noticeably, fought the remaining two rounds compromised, and was dropped in the third. All three judges scored the bout 29-28 for Bautista, giving him a unanimous decision victory.
Background & Context
The bout marked a seven-year sequel to their 2019 UFC debut, in which Sandhagen submitted Bautista. Coming into UFC 329, Sandhagen was coming off a decision loss to former bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 320 and had previously defeated former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo in May 2025. The fight also served as a potential stepping stone toward a top-five matchup, with both fighters positioned near the division’s summit.
Data & Statistics
- Judges’ scores: 29-28, 29-28, 29-28 (Bautista)
- Post-fight rankings: Bautista moved to No. 4 at 135 lb; Sandhagen fell to No. 5.
- Sandhagen’s recent record: three losses in four outings (including defeats to Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov).
Official Statements & Responses
UFC’s official result confirms Bautista’s unanimous decision win. Sandhagen posted on Instagram that the kneebar “tore my hamstring in the first (getting MRI this week).” He added that the injury “kept locking out weird if I did certain things,” which “messed up my game plan.” He announced he will undergo an MRI within the week to determine the tear’s severity. Medical guidance cited in coverage indicates a moderate hamstring tear could sideline a fighter up to eight weeks, while a complete rupture requiring surgery could extend the absence to six months.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts note that Sandhagen’s recent performance trajectory has declined, with three defeats in his last four fights and a drop in the bantamweight rankings. Commentary suggests his “best days” may be behind him, and the injury could further delay any resurgence.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources agree the injury is a hamstring tear, but they differ on the exact classification. No official medical diagnosis has been released; the pending MRI results will determine whether the damage is a moderate tear or a complete rupture.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Frickin bummer man. Losing in fighting is the most embarrassing thing ever. Sucks.” — Cory Sandhagen, Instagram post
- “Pretty sure the knee bar tore my hamstring in the first (getting MRI this week).” — Cory Sandhagen, Instagram post
- “Congrats to Mario. He was well prepared. 1st was close but he won it with that knee bar. 2nd, I won (surprisingly cause leg was jacked). 3rd, I wanted to have the same round as before but got dropped. Gotta fight near perfect to win at the top. Something I need to get better at.” — Cory Sandhagen, Instagram post
- “Congrats to Mario. He was well prepared. 1st was close but he won it with that knee bar. 2nd, I won (surprisingly cause leg was jacked). 3rd, I wanted to have the same round as before but got dropped. Gotta fight near perfect to win at the top. Something I need to get better at.” — Cory Sandhagen, Instagram post
What’s Next
Sandhagen’s MRI is scheduled for the week following UFC 329. Depending on the findings, his return could range from eight weeks for a moderate tear to six months for a complete rupture. UFC officials have not announced a specific future opponent, but the fighter is expected to target a top-15 bantamweight matchup upon medical clearance.
