In a highly anticipated bantamweight clash at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi, Umar Nurmagomedov emerged victorious over Cory Sandhagen via unanimous decision. The judges scored the bout 50-45, 49-46, and 49-46, favoring Nurmagomedov's dominance throughout the fight.
Competitive Start
From the opening bell, the bout showcased the competitive spirits of both fighters. Sandhagen and Nurmagomedov exchanged leg kicks and punches, setting a high tempo that would carry on for the remainder of the match. Nurmagomedov was the first to break the rhythm with a successful takedown, gaining a dominant position by taking Sandhagen's back.
Despite Nurmagomedov's early control, Sandhagen showed resilience. He defended against Nurmagomedov's hooks and managed to return the fight to striking range. The first round ended with neither fighter having a clear advantage, but both demonstrating their skill sets.
Mid-Fight Scrambles and Exchanges
As the fight progressed into the later rounds, Nurmagomedov continued to pressure Sandhagen with additional takedown attempts. Sandhagen, however, was prepared, stuffing many of these attempts and showcasing his own defensive capabilities. Even when brought to the canvas, Sandhagen either defended or scrambled free, minimizing Nurmagomedov's ability to mount significant offense on the ground.
Both fighters found success in striking as the rounds progressed, with Nurmagomedov growing more confident in his ability to stand and trade. "For the second round, I began to feel I could beat him on striking, too. And I did it," Nurmagomedov said, reflecting on his in-cage adjustments.
Control and Confidence
Nurmagomedov's ability to control the pace of the fight proved to be a crucial factor in his victory. His blend of striking and wrestling kept Sandhagen on the defensive, preventing him from establishing a decisive advantage in their exchanges. While Sandhagen's corner urged him to increase his pressure, he struggled to find openings against the determined Nurmagomedov.
Final Rounds
In the final half of the fifth round, Nurmagomedov sealed his victory with a pivotal takedown that grounded Sandhagen. This strategic move demonstrated Nurmagomedov's fight IQ and his ability to secure control when it mattered most. By the end of the fight, Sandhagen was dominantly grounded, leaving no doubt in the judges' minds about the outcome.
"He was more tough than I expected. This guy is really tough," Nurmagomedov praised his opponent while reaffirming his own performance. "I think I deserved the win and feel like I beat him in every round. I tried to take him down but he had good defense. I have to believe in myself."
Future Aspirations
With this victory, Nurmagomedov has set his sights on bigger goals, expressing interest in facing the winner of the upcoming bout between Merab Dvalishvili and Sean O'Malley. His ambitions are clear as he stated, "It doesn't matter for me, who is going to be next. Just give me the title shot. Merab or O'Malley. I'm coming for you."
Nurmagomedov's performance in Abu Dhabi has not only solidified his standing in the bantamweight division but also positioned him as a formidable contender for a future title shot. With his mix of grappling prowess and growing confidence in striking, he remains a fighter to watch as the UFC landscape continues to evolve.