In a captivating showdown at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi, Umar Nurmagomedov showcased his exceptional skill set to secure a unanimous decision victory over Cory Sandhagen. The judges awarded Nurmagomedov scores of 50-45, 49-46, and 49-46, reflecting his dominance throughout the encounter.
From the opening bell, the bout was fiercely competitive. Nurmagomedov sought to impose his grappling prowess early, achieving a successful takedown and swiftly taking Sandhagen's back. However, Sandhagen demonstrated his resilience, defending against Nurmagomedov's hooks and managing to return to striking range.
The first round featured a dynamic exchange of leg kicks and punches between the two fighters. As the rounds progressed, Sandhagen improved his takedown defense, thwarting Nurmagomedov's subsequent attempts to bring the fight to the canvas. Even when taken down, Sandhagen either defended or scrambled free, denying Nurmagomedov a clear control on the mat.
Despite Sandhagen’s defensive efforts, Nurmagomedov controlled the pace of the fight. Both fighters found success in striking, with Nurmagomedov growing more confident in his stand-up game as the fight wore on. During the latter stages of the match, Sandhagen's corner urged him to increase the pressure. However, he struggled to establish a decisive advantage in striking exchanges.
Nurmagomedov's confidence translated into a pivotal moment in the final half of the fifth round, where he secured a decisive takedown. Sandhagen, grounded and under control, was unable to mount a comeback by the end of the fight. Nurmagomedov’s performance garnered unanimous favor from the judges, underscoring his comprehensive victory.
Post-fight, Nurmagomedov was reflective yet assertive. "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," Nurmagomedov stated. "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."
Looking ahead, Nurmagomedov has his sights set on a title shot. He expressed keen interest in facing the winner of the upcoming bout between Merab Dvalishvili and Sean O'Malley. "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 declared.
This victory marks an important milestone in Nurmagomedov's career, propelling him closer to his goal of becoming a UFC champion. With his robust grappling, improving striking, and unwavering confidence, Umar Nurmagomedov has firmly established himself as a formidable contender in the UFC landscape.