The stakes couldn’t be any higher at UFC Abu Dhabi.
In the headliner, Cory Sandhagen and Umar Nurmagomedov fight for who’s got next at bantamweight, with a potential title shot on the line for the winner. Sandhagen defends his #2 ranking against the oncoming Nurmagomedov, a fighter that has yet to be beaten in his 18-fight career.
Sandhagen has won three in a row with his next fight being a must-win if he wants to meet whoever holds the belt between Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili at Noche UFC.
The 28 year-old Nurmagomedov has won all five of his fights inside the Octagon, having trouble finding opponents after turning in multiple shutout performances – one he hopes to have against Sandhagen, by far his toughest test to date.
The action takes place from the Ethihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Round 1:
Sandhagen presses forward to begin the fight. Nurmagomedov shoots for a takedown after the 30-second mark, grabbing ahold of Sandhagen’s back with the American circling out, getting up to his feet. Nurmagomedov goes for leg kicks and then a takedown on Sandhagen, which Sandhagen defends beautifully. Leg kick lands for Sandhagen. Sandhagen pumps out the jab, followed by another leg kick. Nurmagomedov and Sandhagen exchange strikes to the body.
Nurmagomedov finds his timing, executing a takedown on Sandhagen, ending the round on top.
Round 2:
Sandhagen sprawls on a takedown from Nurmagomedov, who grabs Sandhagen’s back for a moment. They separate. Body kick up the middle for Sandhagen lands. Nurmagomedov and Sandhagen trade leg kicks. Nurmagomedov goes high with a kick. Headkick partially lands from Sandhagen. Nurmagomedov catches a kick from Sandhagen, taking him down in the process. Nurmagomedov secures the back of Sandhagen but only for a second as Sandhagen scrambles out of the position.
Round 3:
Nurmagomedov lands a leg kick with Sandhagen returning with one of his own. Nurmagomedov throws a punch to the body. Sandhagen spins out of a takedown attempt from Nurmagomedov. Sandhagen gets some air on a kick. Sandhagen gets tagged to the body with a punch. Nurmagomedov secures the back of Sandhagen from a scramble.
Round 4:
Nurmagomedov clips Sandhagen with a punch. Left hand lands for Sandhagen. 1-2 lands by Nurmagomedov. Nurmagomedov fires a combo. Punches add on up for Nurmagomedov, who starts to find his rhythm. Nurmagomedov shoots for a takedown on Sandhagen, dragging him down to the canvas. Sandhagen and Nurmagomedov fight for position as the round ends.
Round 5:
Body kick lands for Nurmagomedov with Sandhagen returning fire on the feet. Sandhagen feints a takedown, trying to land a punch over the top. Sandhagen looks for a takedown but abandons it due to Nurmagomedov’s defense. Nurmagomedov finds a takedown on Sandhagen with two minutes to go in the final round. Sandhagen fires a few short elbows from the bottom position. Nurmagomedov gets control of Sandhagen’s back with the top contender trying to scramble his way out. Nurmagomedov topples Sandhagen once again on the ground. Nurmagomedov ends the fight on top.
Official result: Umar Nurmagomedov defeats Cory Sandhagen via unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46, 49-46)
Check out the highlights below:
Headed to extra rounds 👊#InAbuDhabi | @InAbuDhabi | @VisitAbuDhabi | #UFCAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/XfKnegqo2l
— UFC (@ufc) August 3, 2024
AND STILL UNDEFEATED 🔥
— UFC (@ufc) August 3, 2024
After five rounds @UNmgdv secures the UD at #UFCAbuDhabi!#InAbuDhabi | @InAbuDhabi | @VisitAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/wEtEhtm9MW
"Now you can cry. I'm coming for you."@UNmgdv doesn't care who is next, he just wants a title shot after his win at #UFCAbuDhabi #InAbuDhabi | @InAbuDhabi | @VisitAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/I3dKG8wEl2
— UFC (@ufc) August 3, 2024
