Cory Sandhagen has built a reputation in the UFC as one of the most dangerous and technical strikers in the bantamweight division. With highlight-reel finishes over names like Frankie Edgar and Marlon Moraes, ‘The Sandman’ has proven he belongs among the elite. But when the gloves come off and the lights fade, it’s not the UFC rankings or bonus checks that drive him—it’s love. 

At the center of that story is his wife, Erica Sandhagen. While fans know Sandhagen for his flying knees and smooth footwork, fewer know about his personal life, especially his relationship with his wife, Erica. From how they met to what their life looks like today, here’s a closer look at Cory Sandhagen’s family life.

Meet Erica, Cory Sandhagen’s wife

Cory Sandhagen’s wife, formerly known as Erica Ueda, isn’t just a bystander in his career. She’s been by his side since 2018, long before “The Sandman” became a fan favorite.

A physiology graduate, Erica began her professional journey in 2016 as a recovery specialist. Her understanding of the human body likely adds a layer of insight to Cory’s grueling training and fight prep. But despite being closely involved, she’s reportedly made her stance clear—she doesn’t want Sandhagen fighting for more than a decade!

Their love story bloomed quietly on hikes, in moments between training camps, and away from the cameras. In 2021, Cory posted a heartfelt video on Instagram. It showed him on one knee, proposing to Erica during a trip to Glacier National Park.

Fast forward to September 2023, and the two tied the knot and now call Denver, Colorado, home. But has the happy couple welcomed more members to their family yet?

Do Erica and Cory Sanghagen have kids together?

As of now, the couple does not have children. But that doesn’t mean ‘The Sandman’ isn’t great with kids. Before he became a full-time MMA machine, Sandhagen balanced his early fight career by working part-time at a trauma center for children.

Cory Sandhagen reveals joyful honeymoon moments with wife

After their wedding, Cory Sandhagen took to Instagram to share his feelings—and he didn’t hold back. In a post from September 7, 2023, he declared with joy, “Got hitched!”

But it wasn’t just a honeymoon of beaches and bliss. The couple actually fell ill during the trip. Yet, in true romantic-comedy fashion, they laughed through the aches and pains.

“We got sick and spent the last four days laying next to each other with body aches,” Cory shared. “Making each other laugh and annoying one another. What a honey moon. So frickin cute.”

The post went deeper than that. The UFC bantamweight star wrote, “I love all the normal stuff about Erica – her personality, her character, her values, etc. Outside that, it feels like I’ve had her by my side since the beginning of time. Pretty interesting feeling.”

Would you have guessed the guy who broke Frankie Edgar with a flying knee could write something so poetic? Let us know in the comments below!