Umar Nurmagomedov Dominates Cory Sandhagen, Demands Title Shot After UFC Abu Dhabi Victory

UFC Abu Dhabi: Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Cory Sandhagen

Umar Nurmagomedov has set his sights on the bantamweight title after a commanding performance against Cory Sandhagen in the UFC Abu Dhabi main event. Demonstrating a mix of relentless wrestling and refined striking, Nurmagomedov solidified his status as a top contender in the division.

Despite Sandhagen’s impressive takedown defense, which stymied many of Nurmagomedov’s attempts to bring the fight to the mat, the undefeated fighter showcased his versatility. Nurmagomedov’s adaptability and relentless pace kept Sandhagen on the defensive for much of the bout. When the fight did go to the ground, Nurmagomedov’s grappling prowess left Sandhagen scrambling to avoid submissions and regain his footing.

The judges’ scorecards reflected Nurmagomedov’s dominance: 50-45, 49-46, and 49-46, all in favor of the Dagestani fighter. Post-fight, Nurmagomedov acknowledged Sandhagen's resilience.

Sandhagen, known for his striking insight, could not fully unleash his offense due to the constant threat of Nurmagomedov’s wrestling. Although he landed some effective shots early on, Sandhagen was cautious, wary of overcommitting and exposing himself to takedowns. Nurmagomedov capitalized on this, mixing his striking with creative wrestling attempts that kept Sandhagen guessing.

As the fight progressed, Nurmagomedov’s boxing came to the forefront. A powerful right hand repeatedly found its mark, further complicating Sandhagen’s strategy. By the fourth round, Nurmagomedov’s striking had become a significant factor, forcing Sandhagen to divide his attention between defending against both punches and takedowns.

Sandhagen’s efforts to turn the tide in the later rounds were thwarted by Nurmagomedov’s superior ground control. Despite his coaches’ calls for increased aggression, Sandhagen found himself on the defensive once more, unable to mount a significant offense as Nurmagomedov maintained the top position until the final bell.

With this victory, Nurmagomedov’s claim for a title shot is undeniable. He eagerly awaits the outcome of the UFC 306 main event, where Sean O’Malley will defend his bantamweight title against Merab Dvalishvili. Confident in his abilities, Nurmagomedov declared,

“Title shot. I don’t worry who’s going [to win between] these two. It doesn’t matter for me who’s going to be next. Just give me title shot.”

Nurmagomedov’s emphatic win over the No. 2 ranked Sandhagen has silenced critics and set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling title bout shortly.