Umar Nurmagomedov Defends His Fighting Spirit Amid Criticism And Wishes To Fight Cory Sandhagen Next

Cory Sandhagen, Umar Nurmagomedov

Umar Nurmagomedov, the undefeated bantamweight contender, is breaking his silence on the criticisms surrounding his fight activity. Despite his perfect record, Nurmagomedov has faced accusations of being inactive and pulling out of fights too often. 

However, in a recent post-fight press conference, he addressed these criticisms head-on, emphasizing his commitment to the sport and his readiness to compete.

"I pull out two times because of me," Nurmagomedov stated firmly. "I just want to fight."

Indeed, Nurmagomedov's journey to title contention in the UFC has been plagued by setbacks, including injuries and external circumstances such as the passing of his uncle, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. Despite these challenges, Nurmagomedov remains resolute in his determination to compete at the highest level.

Acknowledging the toll that rigorous training takes on his body, Nurmagomedov emphasized the unpredictability of the sport. 

"I'm doing a hard job," he explained. "Nobody can do hard training all year."

Despite the setbacks, Nurmagomedov remains confident in his abilities and is eager to prove himself against the best in the world. 

"I'm talking because I know what job I did," he asserted. "I can smash and I can finish Petr Yan. I'm serious."

Looking ahead, Umar is already eyeing his next challenge. With plans to train through Ramadan, Nurmagomedov hopes to make his return to the octagon at UFC 303 on June 29, potentially against Cory Sandhagen, who has been a vocal opponent.

In the face of criticism, Umar Nurmagomedov stands firm in his resolve to compete and prove himself as one of the top talents in the bantamweight division. With his unwavering determination and unmatched skill set, he is poised to make a lasting impact in the world of MMA.