UFC Abu Dhabi went down yesterday (Sat., Aug. 3, 2024) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, featuring a Bantamweight main event that saw Umar Nurmagomedov defeat Cory Sandhagen via unanimous decision (relive it here). In the co-main event, Shara Magomedov defeated Micha? Oleksiejczuk, also via unanimous decision, to remain undefeated (14-0, 3-0 UFC).
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Biggest Winner: Umar Nurmagomedov
It wasn’t exactly overly-dominant, but Nurmagomedov picked up the biggest win of his UFC career by defeating “The Sandman,” who was ranked No. 2 in the the 135-pound division. That means that Umar — currently ranked No. 10 — will likely overtake his spot, or at least crash the Top 5. That win could very well be enough to give the undefeated (18-0, 6-0 UFC) fighter the next shot at the division strap which will be up for grabs at “Noche UFC” when Sean O’Malley defends the crown against Merab Dvalishvili.
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Runner Up: Deiveson Figueiredo
The Bantamweight division is starting to get exciting again, and two of the best rising contenders in the division had great performances and wins. Aside from Umar shining in the main event, former UFC Flyweight champion, Figueiredo, had a great win over former title contender, Marlon Vera, in main card action. Since moving up from 125 pounds, “Daico” has won three straight, taking out Vera, Cody Garbrandt and Rob Font. Currently ranked No. 6, he is sitting pretty in the championship race, and even called for a fight during his post-fight speech. He will likely be in the Top 3 come next week, further complicating (in a good way) the title fight race.
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Biggest Loser: Tony Ferguson
After getting submitted by Michael Chiesa (highlights here), “El Cucuy” is now the not-so proud owner of a dreadful eight-fight losing streak. I’m not saying we are nearing Bob Sapp status, but that is downright dreadful. After the fight, Ferguson semi-retired inside the Octagon, and then could be heard as he was walking backstage that he “was not done.” Sorry, Fergie, but you are done. And I’m not being disrespectful. You had a great run inside the Octagon, but the ride is over. If you don’t retire, Dana White will likely cut you, so it’s best to bow out as gracefully as possible.
For complete UFC Abu Dhabi results, coverage, and highlights, click HERE.