At UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi, Umar Nurmagomedov showcased his skills with a unanimous decision victory over Cory Sandhagen, securing scores of 50-45, 49-46, and 49-46 from the judges. The bout was fiercely competitive from the onset, but Nurmagomedov's performance ultimately tipped the scales in his favor.
A Competitive Start
From the start, both fighters demonstrated their prowess. Nurmagomedov executed a well-timed takedown, taking Sandhagen's back, but Sandhagen managed to defend against the hooks and returned to striking range. The initial round saw an exchange of leg kicks and punches, illustrating the willingness of both fighters to engage in various forms of combat.
As the fight progressed, Sandhagen showed resilience by stuffing subsequent takedown attempts and scrambling free when brought to the canvas. Despite these efforts, Nurmagomedov effectively controlled the pace of the fight, a factor that likely influenced the judges' scores.
A Battle of Striking and Grappling
Nurmagomedov and Sandhagen each found moments of success in striking, but Sandhagen struggled to establish a definitive advantage. By the second round, Nurmagomedov sensed his growing dominance. "He was more tough than I expected. This guy is really tough," Nurmagomedov acknowledged. "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."
Throughout the fight, Sandhagen’s corner continuously encouraged him to increase the pressure, but Nurmagomedov’s confidence only seemed to grow. This became particularly evident in the later rounds, where Sandhagen found it increasingly difficult to firmly establish his standing game.
Decisive Fifth Round
The final half of the fifth round proved to be the turning point for Nurmagomedov. He achieved a pivotal takedown, grounding Sandhagen and maintaining control until the end of the fight. This closing maneuver solidified his dominance and left no room for doubt on the scorecards, which unanimously favored Nurmagomedov.
Looking Forward to a Title Shot
Following his impressive victory, Nurmagomedov expressed his aspirations for a title shot, specifically targeting 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," he declared, setting his sights firmly on the future.
Nurmagomedov's win at UFC Fight Night not only adds to his burgeoning reputation but also sets the stage for what could be a significant step towards a championship opportunity. With his blend of grappling prowess and striking acumen, he has undoubtedly positioned himself as a formidable contender in the UFC landscape.