UFC Abu Dhabi went down this past weekend (Sat., Aug. 3, 2024) inside Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, leaving several fighters feeling the post-fight blues. Among them was Tony Ferguson, who was choked out by Michael Chiesa, marking his record-setting eighth straight defeat (see it again here).
And Elves Brener, who was stopped via technical knockout by surging Lightweight contender, Joel Alvarez (video highlights here). And Mohammad Yahya, who was finished via technical knockout in the first round by Kaue Fernandes (see it again here). But, which fighter is suffering from the worst post-fight hangover, now a few days removed from the event?
Coming into the event, “The Sandman” was riding hot with a three-fight win streak, and was hoping to lock down his fourth straight win to get himself in the championship picture. But, standing in his way was one of the hottest 135-pound fighters in the game, Umar Nurmagomedov.
And just as most expected, the Khabib Nurmagomedov-trained fighter implemented his gameplan as best he could, smothering Sandhagen when the fight got up and close and personal. Credit has to be given to “The Sandman,” however, because he didn’t allow Nurmagomedov to fully put his foot on the gas pedal to dominate him.
Nevertheless, Nurmagomedov did enough to win the fight pretty convincingly, ending Sandhagen’s run toward the title for the time being. In doing so, Nurmagomedov — who is currently ranked No. 10 — will likely overtake his opponents No. 2 spot and earn a shot at the winner of the upcoming title fight between division kingpin, Sean O’Malley, versus Merab Dvalishvili.
Despite the setback, Sandhagen took the loss with his chin held up high.
“Tough sport,” Sandhagen wrote on Instagram. “Umar is really world class — it was an honor to fight one of the world’s best. Congrats to him. Gonna keep getting better like I always do. Thanks for the support. I love you guys. PEACE.”
As far as what’s next for the scrappy Bantamweight, perhaps a fight against Henry Cejudo is in order. “Triple C” — a former Flyweight and Bantamweight champion — is currently on a two-fight losing streak, tying the longest of his mixed marital arts (MMA) career.
Cejudo was last seen losing to the aforementioned Dvalishvili at UFC 298 this past February, and is currently holding down the No. 5 spot at 135 pounds. He currently has no plans to retire from the sport, so a showdown against Sandhagen seems like a good fit.
Cejudo would obviously hold the wrestling advantage, so that means that Sandhagen would once again have to prepare for a world-class grappler. While not ideal for him coming off a grueling bout against Nurmagomedov, it really is one of the few fights that makes sense given how the Top 5 of the division looks.
For complete UFC Abu Dhabi: “Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov” results and play-by-play, click HERE.