Umar Nurmagomedov Triumphs Over Cory Sandhagen at UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi
In a highly anticipated bout at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi, Umar Nurmagomedov secured a unanimous decision victory over Cory Sandhagen. The judges' scorecards read 50-45, 49-46, and 49-46, all in favor of Nurmagomedov, highlighting his dominance throughout the fight.
The encounter was competitive from the start, with both fighters showcasing their skills in striking and grappling. In the first round, Nurmagomedov managed to execute a successful takedown, taking Sandhagen’s back. However, Sandhagen’s resilience was on display as he defended against Nurmagomedov’s hooks and quickly returned to striking range.
Both fighters exchanged leg kicks and punches early on, setting the tone for a high-paced bout. Sandhagen demonstrated his takedown defense by stuffing subsequent attempts by Nurmagomedov, showing his growth as a defensive wrestler. Even when brought to the canvas, Sandhagen was able to defend or scramble free, refusing to be controlled for long.
Despite Sandhagen’s defensive efforts, it was Nurmagomedov who dictated the pace of the fight. As the rounds progressed, both fighters found success in their striking exchanges. However, it was clear that Nurmagomedov was growing more confident and effective in his stand-up game.
Sandhagen’s corner repeatedly encouraged him to increase pressure, but he struggled to establish a decisive advantage in striking. This was a turning point in the bout, as Nurmagomedov capitalized on the more strategic elements of combat, controlling the tempo and dictating the engagement.
By the time the fifth round rolled around, Nurmagomedov's confidence was evident. In a pivotal moment during the final half of the fifth round, he scored another crucial takedown, grounding Sandhagen and maintaining control as the clock wound down. The bout concluded with Sandhagen under Nurmagomedov’s control, leaving little doubt in the minds of the judges.
"He was more tough than I expected. This guy is really tough. 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. For the second round I began to feel I could beat him on striking, too. And I did it," reflected Nurmagomedov post-fight, acknowledging Sandhagen’s tenacity and his own adaptability during the match.
Following his victory, Nurmagomedov did not hesitate to express his aspirations for the future. "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," declared Nurmagomedov, setting his sights on a title shot and calling out the potential winners of the Merab Dvalishvili vs. Sean O'Malley bout.
Nurmagomedov’s performance in Abu Dhabi was a testament to his evolving skill set and his readiness to challenge the best in the division. With his sights firmly set on a title shot, the future promises to bring even more exciting matchups for this rising star in the UFC. As he continues to build his legacy, fans and competitors alike will be watching closely to see how far this talented fighter can go.