Still Undefeated! Nurmagomedov Edges Sandhagen, Demands Title Shot

Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov will square off in a Bantamweight contest tonight (Sat. Aug. 3, 2024) at UFC Abu Dhabi from Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Sandhagen is in the process of scoring his second shot at UFC gold. His failed bid against Petr Yan back in 2021 marked a turning point in his career, as “The Sandman” has upped his game and won three straight dominantly since that defeat. Meanwhile, Nurmagomedov is the most hyped man at Bantamweight. That last name certainly helps, but it’s hard to argue with a 17-0 professional record! It’s been difficult getting Nurmagomedov in the cage opposite ranked opposition, so he’ll get a big opportunity here by leapfrogging all the way up to the No. 2-ranked contender.

Live updates will begin to flow below the moment the two fighters make their way to the Octagon …

Round One

Both men open with low kicks, and Nurmagomedov jumps on an early single leg takedown. He tries to jump the back as Sandhagen stands, but “Sandman” escapes! A big early test is passed for the American, who digs another low kick. Nurmagomedov times a single leg well, but Sandhagen stuffs it after an extended exchange. More low kicks from both. Nothing too devastating has landed upstairs for either man. Nurmagomedov times a double perfectly to end the round, but he’s not able to really establish control. Close round, but for my money, Sandhagen’s low kicks were the most damaging shots.

10-9 Sandhagen

Round Two

Nurmagomedov utilizes a beautiful limp arm to sneak behind Sandhagen, but the striker escapes quickly anyway. Back in open space, Sandhagen lands a nice left. Nurmagomedov lands a couple short shots from his back foot. Nurmagomedov is more active, but a lot of his shots are glancing off the guard. With a minute remaining, Nurmagomedov tries to pull Sandhagen to the floor. He nearly takes the back but cannot control Sandhagen, who is able to escape yet again. Another close round.

10-9 Nurmagomedov

Round Three

Sandhagen’s superior kicks win the early exchanges. Lots of jabs and low kicks from each man. Nurmagomedov once again times a shot well but cannot keep Sandhagen down for more than a brief moment. The Russian lands a right hand over the top. Not a lot of power punches landing for either. Sandhagen lands a knee but is taken down in the closing seconds of the round. All three of these rounds are razor close.

10-9 Nurmagomedov

Round Four

Sandhagen a bit more aggressive to start the fourth. Good left hook scores for Sandhagen. Another. That might be his shot. Sandhagen takes a right downstairs. Nurmagomedov looking to counter and land low kicks. Good 1-2 from the Russian. The two trade left hooks. Sandhagen gets back to the low kick. Nurmagomedov scores a takedown in the final minute but establishes no real control. I know I sound like a broken record, but this is a brutally close round yet again.

10-9 Sandhagen

Round Five

Stiff jab from Nurmagomedov starts the final frame, and the live odds have Nurmagomedov as a huge favorite. Sandhagen tries a single leg into a left hook that just misses. Good body shot from Umar, then a counter combo after Sandhagen misses an overhand. Sandhagen connects with a cross. Nurmagomedov shoots a beautiful single leg, denies a submission attempt, and lands in the guard. Sandhagen forces the scrambles but cannot shake Nurmagomedov this time around. Nurmagomedov rides top position to the bell, making for a strong finish and the more clear-cut round of the fight.

10-9 Nurmagomedov

Result: Nurmagomedov defeats Sandhagen via unanimous decision

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For complete UFC Abu Dhabi: “Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov” results and play-by-play, click HERE!