Tonight’s UFC Fight Island 5 event in Abu Dhabi is headlined by a bantamweight bout featuring Marlon Moraes taking on Cory Sandhagen.

The former bantamweight title challenger, Moraes (23-6-1 MMA), will be returning to action for the first time since scoring a controversial split decision win over Jose Aldo at UFC 245.

‘Magic’ has gone 5-1 over his past six Octagon appearances, with his lone loss in that time coming by way of TKO to the now-retired former champion in Henry Cejudo.

Meanwhile, Corey Sandhagen (12-2 MMA) will enter tonight’s bout with Marlon Moraes looking to rebound from his recent submission loss to Aljamain Sterling. Prior to being stopped by ‘The Funk Master’, Sandhagen was riding a seven-fight win streak which included victories over Raphael Assuncao and John Lineker.

Round one of the UFC Fight Island 5 main event begins and Marlon Moraes starts things off with a low kick. He leaps in with a right hand that misses. Sandhagen with a low kick. Marlon returns fire but swings and misses. He wiffs with an overhand right that would have proved lethal. Cory with a good low kick. Marlon with a nice right hand over the top. He lands another. Sandhagen answers with a jab and then a low kick. He paws with his jab but eats a body kick from Moraes. ‘Magic’ swings and misses with a big right hand. Big shots from both fighters now. Cory Sandhagen with a hard low kick. Marlon Moraes goes high but misses the mark. A good low kick lands for Moraes. Sanghagen swings a misses with a hook. Marlon with a spinning back fist which is blocked. Moraes eats a big uppercut but stays on his feet. He lands a right hand that backs Sandhagen up. Cory with a side step and then a good combination. Another spinning back fist attempt from Marlon Moraes. Cory Sandhagen returns fire with a kick to the liver. Cory with a good kick to the body. Marlon counters with a left hook. Another body kick attempt from Sandhagen but Moraes catches it and earns a takedown to close out round one.

Round two of the UFC Fight Island 5 main event begins and Cory Sandhagen begins with a combination. He lands a good kick to the body followed by a question mark kick. Marlon Moraes fires back with a combination. Sandhagen with a spinning heel kick and Moraes is down. Unreal finish.

https://twitter.com/espnmma/status/1315118159364534273

Official UFC Fight Island 5 Result: Cory Sandhagen def. Marlon Moraes via KO

Who would you like to see Sandhagen fight next following his KO victory over Moraes this evening on Yas Island? Share your thoughts in the comments section PENN Nation!

This article first appeared on BJPENN.com on October 10, 2020