Tag: UFC Abu Dhabi

Michael Chiesa submits Tony Ferguson in opening round with RNC – UFC Abu Dhabi Highlights

Tony FergusonDetermined to snap a staggering seven-fight losing streak, former interim lightweight titleholder Tony Ferguson returned to the Octagon on…

Tony Ferguson

Determined to snap a staggering seven-fight losing streak, former interim lightweight titleholder Tony Ferguson returned to the Octagon on Saturday night for a scrap with TUF alumnus Michael Chiesa at UFC Abu Dhabi.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be for ‘El Cucuy‘ who found himself on the wrong side of history, dropping his eighth straight following a first-round submission loss to ‘Maverick.

Ferguson came out and put pressure on Chiesa early, but neither fighter threw a strike until we were already more than a minute into the contest. As things began to open up, it was clear that Chiesa had the striking advantage, peppering Ferguson with some stiff right hands.

Tony Ferguson

Just past the three-minute mark, Chiesa moved in and landed an all-too-easy takedown before securing Ferguson’s back. Once there, it was just a matter of time.

Moments later, Chiesa cinched his arm under Ferguson’s chin, forcing ‘El Cucuy’ to tap out.

Tony Ferguson

Official Result: Michael Chiesa def. Tony Ferguson via submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:44 of Round 1.

Immediately following the fight, Ferguson laid down one glove, acknowledging that while his UFC career may be over, he can’t guarantee you won’t see him pop up somewhere else.  

Tony Ferguson

Check Out Highlights From Tony Ferguson vs. Michael Chiesa at UFC Abu Dhabi:

VIDEO: Azamat Murzakanov Flattens Alonzo Menifield To Stay Undefeated At UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi

The UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi featured preliminary bout saw a battle between two light heavyweights looking to climb their way up the ranks, and the undefeated Azamat Murzakanov did that and then some. The Russian laid out Alonzo Menifield in a second-round finish to stay unbeaten. Murzakanov received praise for his first-round performance as […]

Continue Reading VIDEO: Azamat Murzakanov Flattens Alonzo Menifield To Stay Undefeated At UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi at MMA News.

The UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi featured preliminary bout saw a battle between two light heavyweights looking to climb their way up the ranks, and the undefeated Azamat Murzakanov did that and then some.

The Russian laid out Alonzo Menifield in a second-round finish to stay unbeaten.

Murzakanov received praise for his first-round performance as he seemed to land at will, pressuring his American counterpart. Menifield, however, appeared to turn the tide in round two, landing some damaging shots that tired and hurt Murazakanov.

Unbeaten Murzakanov Lands Vicious Shots To Stop Menifield At UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi

Murzakanov, however, answered right back with a stunning pair of left hands before dropping and finishing “Atomic” in brutal fashion.

Since a first-round finish on Dana White’s Contender Series that earned him a UFC contract, Murzakanov has won four straight. That run includes three finishes, defeating Tafon Nchukwi, Devin Clark and Dustin Jacoby, in addition to Saturday’s win.

Menifield, meanwhile, has now lost back-to-back fights after a five-fight unbeaten streak.

Continue Reading VIDEO: Azamat Murzakanov Flattens Alonzo Menifield To Stay Undefeated At UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi at MMA News.

Cory Sandhagen ready to apologize to Umar and Khabib Nurmagomedov

Cory Sandhagen ready to apologize to Umar and Khabib NurmagomedovAhead of his return at UFC Abu Dhabi tonight, surging bantamweight contender, Cory Sandhagen has plans to apologize to…

Cory Sandhagen ready to apologize to Umar and Khabib Nurmagomedov

Ahead of his return at UFC Abu Dhabi tonight, surging bantamweight contender, Cory Sandhagen has plans to apologize to both opponent, Umar Nurmagomedov, as well as his coach, Khabib Nurmagomedov – claiming he will need to after he beats the Russian definitively in the Middle East.

Sandhagen, the streaking number two ranked bantamweight challenger, has won his last three straight fights – snapping a two-fight losing skid against former champions, T.J. Dillashaw, and Petr Yan.

sandhagen

Last featuring in Nashville last year, Sandhagen, under the tutelage of head coach, Trevor Wittman, most recently bested Rob Font in a dominant unanimous decision victory. 

Prior to that, Sandhagen turned back both most recent title challenger, Marlon Vera with a decision win, before forcing a doctor’s stoppage TKO win over Song Yadong in two back-to-back main event clashes.

Cory Sandhagen set to fight Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC Abu Dhabi main event in August
Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel – USA TODAY Sports & Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

Cory Sandhagen vows to hand Umar Nurmagomedov loss

And rescheduled to take on the surging, promotional-perfect contender, Nurmagomedov tonight in the United Arab Emirates, former interim title challenger, Sandhagen claims an apology on his behalf will be in order – when he beats the Russian tonight.

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“I’m gonna prove that I’m better than him [Umar Nurmagomedov],” Cory Sandhagen told Daniel Cormier during a recent interview. “On Saturday, I plan on shaking Khabib’s (Nurmagomedov) hand, I plan on shaking Umar’s hand and apologizing and saying ‘I’m sorry that I had to beat you.’”

“Go win a couple more fights, and we can fight for the belt, that’s how I see it in my head,” Cory Sandhagen explained. “That’s how I’ve been seeing it in my head for the last 12 weeks.”

Competing for an interim bantamweight crown against the above-mentioned Dudinka native, Yan back in 2021, Sandhagen appeared on short-notice in the Middle East, suffering a decision loss over the course of five rounds. 

Who wins tonight in the Middle East: Cory Sandhagen or Umar Nurmagomedov?

UFC Fight Night Results & Highlights: Umar Nurmagomedov Outlasts Cory Sandhagen

The MMA leader staged its latest UFC Fight Night event on Saturday, and MMA News has you covered with all the action. After taking the Octagon back to Manchester in England for a pay-per-view card last weekend, the promotion’s return to the United Arab Emirates saw the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi play host to a […]

Continue Reading UFC Fight Night Results & Highlights: Umar Nurmagomedov Outlasts Cory Sandhagen at MMA News.

The MMA leader staged its latest UFC Fight Night event on Saturday, and MMA News has you covered with all the action.

After taking the Octagon back to Manchester in England for a pay-per-view card last weekend, the promotion’s return to the United Arab Emirates saw the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi play host to a 13-fight lineup.

In the main attraction, undefeated bantamweight up-and-comer Umar Nurmagomedov extended his perfect record en route to a potential first shot at UFC gold. Unsuccessful in his attempt to stall the Russian’s rise was Cory Sandhagen, who fell on the wrong side of three lopsided scorecards.

All eyes were also on the co-headliner, which saw another unbeaten Russian in Sharabutdin Magomedov in action as he faced Micha? Oleksiejczuk on short notice, as well as a second crucial contest at 135 pounds between recent title challenger Marlon Vera and former flyweight kingpin Deiveson Figueiredo.

Before those matchups, the likes of ex-lightweight interim title contender Tony Ferguson, strawweight submission specialist Mackenzie Dern, and light heavyweight powerhouse Alonzo Menifield all had their next assignments inside the Octagon.

With the event concluded, see below for the full results, followed by all the highlights!

UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov Results & Highlights

Main Card:

  • Bantamweight Main Event: Umar Nurmagomedov def. Cory Sandhagen via unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46, 49-46)
  • Middleweight Co-Main Event: Sharabutdin Magomedov def. Micha? Oleksiejczuk via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
  • Bantamweight: Deiveson Figueiredo def. Marlon Vera via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
  • Welterweight: Michael Chiesa def. Tony Ferguson via submission (rear-naked choke): R1, 3:44
  • Women’s Strawweight: Mackenzie Dern def. Loopy Godinez via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Lightweight: Joel Álvarez def. Elves Brener via TKO (knees): R3, 3:36

Preliminary Card:

  • Light Heavyweight: Azamat Murzakanov def. Alonzo Menifield via KO (punches): R2, 3:18
  • Lightweight: Kaue Fernandes def. Mohammad Yahya via TKO (punches): R1, 4:45
  • Heavyweight: Shamil Gaziev def. Don’Tale Mayes via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
  • Lightweight: Guram Kutateladze def. Jordan Vucenic via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Women’s Strawweight: Sam Hughes def. Victoria Dudakova via split decision (29-28, 27-30, 29-28)
  • Lightweight: Jai Herbert def. Rolando Berdoya via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
  • Middleweight: Sedriques Dumas def. Denis Tiuliulin via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

Sedriques Dumas Def. Denis Tiuliulin

Jai Herbert Def. Rolando Berdoya

Sam Hughes Def. Victoria Dudakova

Guram Kutateladze Def. Jordan Vucenic

Shamil Gaziev Def. Don’Tale Mayes

Kaue Fernandes Def. Mohammad Yahya

Azamat Murzakanov Def. Alonzo Menifield

Joel Álvarez Def. Elves Brener

Mackenzie Dern Def. Loopy Godinez

Michael Chiesa Def. Tony Ferguson

Deiveson Figueiredo Def. Marlon Vera

Sharabutdin Magomedov Def. Micha? Oleksiejczuk

Umar Nurmagomedov Def. Cory Sandhagen

Continue Reading UFC Fight Night Results & Highlights: Umar Nurmagomedov Outlasts Cory Sandhagen at MMA News.

UFC Fight Night: Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov Results & Highlights (12 PM ET)

The MMA leader stages its latest UFC Fight Night event on Saturday, and MMA News has you covered with all the action. After taking the Octagon back to Manchester in England for a pay-per-view card last weekend, the promotion’s return to the United Arab Emirates sees the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi play host to a […]

Continue Reading UFC Fight Night: Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov Results & Highlights (12 PM ET) at MMA News.

The MMA leader stages its latest UFC Fight Night event on Saturday, and MMA News has you covered with all the action.

After taking the Octagon back to Manchester in England for a pay-per-view card last weekend, the promotion’s return to the United Arab Emirates sees the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi play host to a 13-fight lineup.

In the main attraction, undefeated bantamweight up-and-comer Umar Nurmagomedov will look to extend his perfect record en route to a first shot at UFC gold. Tasked with stalling his rise is Cory Sandhagen, who has worked his way back toward the undisputed belt after falling short of the interim title against Petr Yan back in 2021.

All eyes are also on the co-headliner, which sees another unbeaten Russian in Sharabutdin Magomedov in action as he faces Micha? Oleksiejczuk on short notice, as well as a second crucial contest at 135 pounds between recent title challenger Marlon Vera and former flyweight kingpin Deiveson Figueiredo.

Before those matchups, the likes of ex-lightweight interim title contender Tony Ferguson, strawweight submission specialist Mackenzie Dern, and light heavyweight powerhouse Alonzo Menifield will all have their next assignments inside the Octagon.

Ahead of the event, see below for the full card and broadcast information, and be sure to check back later for the live results and highlights!

UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov Results & Highlights

Main Card (3 PM ET, ABC/ESPN+):

  • Bantamweight Main Event: Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov
  • Middleweight Co-Main Event: Sharabutdin Magomedov vs. Micha? Oleksiejczuk
  • Bantamweight: Marlon Vera vs. Deiveson Figueiredo
  • Welterweight: Tony Ferguson vs. Michael Chiesa
  • Women’s Strawweight: Mackenzie Dern vs. Loopy Godinez
  • Lightweight: Joel Álvarez vs. Elves Brener

Preliminary Card (12 PM ET, ESPN2/ESPN+):

  • Light Heavyweight: Azamat Murzakanov vs. Alonzo Menifield
  • Lightweight: Mohammad Yahya vs. Kaue Fernandes
  • Heavyweight: Shamil Gaziev vs. Don’Tale Mayes
  • Lightweight: Guram Kutateladze vs. Jordan Vucenic
  • Women’s Strawweight: Victoria Dudakova vs. Sam Hughes
  • Lightweight: Jai Herbert vs. Rolando Berdoya
  • Middleweight: Sedriques Dumas vs. Denis Tiuliulin

Continue Reading UFC Fight Night: Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov Results & Highlights (12 PM ET) at MMA News.

Umar Nurmagomedov questions Sean O’Malley’s manhood: ‘Ashamed we have Sean as a champion’

Umar Nurmagomedov questions Sean O'Malley's manhood: 'Ashamed we have Sean as a champion'Umar Nurmagomedov isn’t a fan of Sean O’Malley’s antics on social media. The undefeated Dagestani standout returns to the…

Umar Nurmagomedov questions Sean O'Malley's manhood: 'Ashamed we have Sean as a champion'

Umar Nurmagomedov isn’t a fan of Sean O’Malley’s antics on social media.

The undefeated Dagestani standout returns to the Octagon this Saturday as the UFC heads to Abu Dhabi for a stacked Fight Night in Etihad Arena. Meeting Nurmagomedov in the main event will be bantamweight staple Cory Sandhagen in a bout that should produce the next 135-pound title contender.

Umar Nurmagomedov

As it stands, O’Malley sits atop the bantamweight throne, though his days could be number as he finds himself on a collision course with streaking Georgian sensation Merab Dvalishvili.

The pair will headline Noche UFC at Sphere in Las Vegas this September with the winner presumably facing the winner of Nurmagomedov vs. Sandhagen.

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During a recent conversation with Daniel Cormier on the Hall of Famer’s YouTube channel, Nurmagomedov didn’t mince words while discussing O’Malley, slamming ‘Sugar’ for acting like a “clown” on social media and doing things unbecoming of a strong champion.

“Me and Sean are two different [people],” Nurmagomedov said of O’Malley. “He loves being funny. We’re different guys and I’m ashamed we have Sean O’Malley as a champion. Men have to be different, it’s about different things…you have to be a good example for the young generation, and you can’t do something like a clown. When Sean Strickland tells him he looks like a clown…is life about money? No, men have to be strong guys…

“Men have to be gentlemen, not a clown, or doing some TikToks, music and dancing. It’s not about that…women can do this…we know what the UFC cares about. They don’t want to give him good fighters with good wrestling” (h/t BJPenn.com).

Thus far, O’Malley has not responded to Nurmagomedov’s comments.

‘Sandman’ looks to snatch Umar Nurmagomedov’s ‘O’ in Abu Dhabi

Umar Nurmagomedov is a perfect 17-0 in his mixed martial arts career with five of those victories coming under the UFC banner. Currently, he is sitting as the No. 10 ranked contender in the bantamweight division, but if he can score a big win over ‘Sandman’ in Abu Dhabi, he’ll skyrocket himself toward the top of the rankings and all but guarantee himself a shot at UFC gold.

Umar Nurmagomedov

Sandhagen goes into Saturday’s bout having won his last three, earning victories over Song Yadong, Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera, and Rob Font. Sandman’ also holds wins over Frankie Edgar, Marlon Moraes, and John Lineker. Sandhagen landed his first shot at a UFC title, competing against Petr Yan for the interim crown in October 2021. Yan won the bout via unanimous decision, forcing Sandhagen to go back to the drawing board.

If the Colorado native can take Nurmagomedov’s ‘O’ in the UAE, a showdown with either O’Malley or Dvalishvili will surely await.