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Breaking – Tony Ferguson set to fight Michael Chiesa in potential retirement bout at UFC Abu Dhabi in August

Tony Ferguson set to fight Michael Chiesa in potential retirement bout at UFC Abu Dhabi Former interim lightweight champion, Tony Ferguson is set to make his return to 170lbs this summer – attempting to…

Former interim lightweight champion, Tony Ferguson is set to make his return to 170lbs this summer – attempting to snap a record-setting losing run as he takes on TUF alum, Michael Chiesa at UFC Abu Dhabi from the Etihad Arena on August 3. in the United Arab Emirates.

Ferguson, a former interim lightweight champion and victor of The Ultimate Fighter 13 at the welterweigh tlimit, has been sidelined since he suffered a seventh consecutive loss back in December – joining former two-weight titleholder, B.J. Penn in a record-setting losing streak.

Tony Ferguson plans to keep fighting in the UFC until the wheels fall off — Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

Tony Ferguson takes on Michael Chiesa at UFC Abu Dhabi

As for Chiesa, The Ultimate Fighter 15 winner, has himself been out of action since suffered a third consecutiveloss in the form of a D’Arce choke defeat to Kevin Holland at UFC 291 last summer during International Fight Week.

UFC CEO, Dana White confirmed Tony Ferguson’s return to the welterweight limit in clash with Michael Chiesa at UFC Abu Dhabi on his official social media this afternoon.

The main card for #UFCAbuDhabi is set!!!@VisitAbuDhabi | @InAbuDhabi | #InAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/yUK7VdaOAc

— danawhite (@danawhite) May 29, 2024

Opening the main card of UFC 296 back in December, Oxnard veteran, Ferguson suffered a unanimous decision defeat to polarizing Liverpool star, Paddy Pimblett in his return.

Tony Ferguson vows to continue fighting after UFC 296 loss I'm not retiring casuals — Mandatory Credit: Jeff Bottari – Zuffa LLC

Prior to that defeat, Ferguson, a former interim lightweight champion, had racked up consecutive losses to Bobby Green, Nate Diaz, Michael Chandler, Beneil Dariush, Charles Oliveira, and Justin Gaethje.

Once the owner of a division-best 12-fight winning streak, Ferguson was first slated to fight Chiesa back in 2016 at UFC Fight Night Sioux Falls, with the latter suffering an undisclosed injury, forcing him from the bout. Ferguson would go on to submit newcomer, Lando Vannata on the same card.

Michael Chiesa — Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

UFC Abu Dhabi takes place on August 3. – with a potential bantamweight title eliminator between Cory Sandhagen and Umar Nurmagomedov slated to take headlining honors.

Also on the card, veteran former WEC and Strikeforce champion, Nick Diaz snaps an almost three-year hiatus as he meets Vicente Luque in a five round co-main event.

Former bantamweight title challenger, Marlon Vera also features in a main card clash, as he takes on surging former flyweight kingpin, Deiveson Figueiredo.

Who wins at UFC Abu Dhabi: Tony Ferguson or Michael Chiesa?

Breaking – Nick Diaz makes return in five round fight against Vicente Luque at UFC Abu Dhabi in August

Former undisputed welterweight title challenger, Nick Diaz is set for his return to the Octagon for the first time…

Former undisputed welterweight title challenger, Nick Diaz is set for his return to the Octagon for the first time in over three years in August, taking on perennial division contender, Vicente Luque in a five round co-main event bout at UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi on August 3. from the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Diaz, a former middleweight star and welterweight title challenger, has been sidelined since he faced off with former 170lbs champion, Robbie Lawler in an hiatus-snapping comeback fight at UFC 266 three years ago, suffering a third round TKO loss to the veteran in the pair’s rematch.

Nick Diaz denies withdrawing from UFC grappling match with Georges St-Pierre he's selling you wolf tickets — Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

Nick Diaz makes return against Vicente Luque in August

As for Luque, the Brazilian-American himself has been out of action since he dropped a TKO loss of his own against Joaquin Buckley at UFC Fight Night Atlantic City back in March of this year. News of Nick Diaz’s return in a welterweight clash against Vicente Luque was confirmed by UFC CEO, Dana White this Wednesday afternoon.

“The main card for #UFCAbuDhabi is set!!!” White posted.

The main card for #UFCAbuDhabi is set!!!@VisitAbuDhabi | @InAbuDhabi | #InAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/yUK7VdaOAc

— danawhite (@danawhite) May 29, 2024

A promotional fan-favorite and elder brother of former UFC star, Nate Diaz, Stockton veteran, Nick Diaz snapped a lenghty hiatus in his return against Lawler in 2021, having remained sidelined since an official ‘No Contest’ fight against Anderson Silva back in 2015.

Without a victory since 2011, Diaz, a former WEC (World Extreme Cagefighting) and Strikeforce gold holder, most recently landed a unanimous decision victory over former two-weight champion, B.J. Penn.

As for Luque, the number fourteen ranked contender’s most recent win came in the form of a decision success against former lightweight champion, Rafael dos Anjos last August.

UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi takes place on August 3. from the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE – with a potential bantamweight title eliminator between Cory Sandhagen, and Umar Nurmagomedov set to take main event status.

Who wins at UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi: Nick Diaz or Vicente Luque?

Report – Marlon Vera set to fight ex-Champion Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC Abu Dhabi in August

Former title challenger, Marlon Vera is slated to make his return to at UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi on…

Former title challenger, Marlon Vera is slated to make his return to at UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi on August 3rd. – drawing former undisputed flyweight kingpin, Deiveson Figueiredo in a barnburning clash.

Vera, the current number four ranked bantamweight contender, headlined UFC 299 back in March in Miami, suffering a one-sided unanimous decision defeat to current division champion, Sean O’Malley in the pair’s title fight rematch.

Marlon Vera, USADA, UFC — Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

As for Figueiredo, the former flyweight titleholder turned in his second straight victory at the bantamweight limit since his move to 135lbs back in April at UFC 300, landing an eventual submission win over former champion, Cody Garbrandt.

Marlon Vera draws Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC Abu Dhabi

News of Marlon Vera’s return in a massive fight against Brazilian star, Figueiredo was first reported by Brazilian outlet, AgFight.

Prior to his decision loss against Montana striker, O’Malley, Ecuadorian striker, Vera had landed a title-eliminator win over another Brazilan veteran, Pedro Munhoz, moving him back to the winner’s enclosure following a decision loss of his own to Cory Sandhagen.

Marlon Vera — Mandatory Credit: Jeff Bottari – Zuffa LLC

Seeing an impressive win halted at the San Antonio event, Vera had turned in an impressive winning run of four victories over Davey Grant, Frankie Edgar, Rob Font, and former two-time bantamweight champion, Dominick Cruz.

For former flyweight gold holder, Figueiredo the Brazilian has landed with aplomb at the bantamweight limit, via a pair of back-to-back victories over the above-mentioned Garbrandt, which followed a decision shutout over common-foe, Font.

During his run as flyweight title – which he landed twice during his stay in the division, Figueiredo had racked up successful title defenses against both Brandon Moreno, after a wicked submission win over the surging Alex Perez in his first outing as flyweight best.

Who wins at UFC Abu Dhabi in August: Marlon Vera or Deiveson Figueiredo?

Cory Sandhagen set to fight rival Umar Nurmagomedov in UFC Abu Dhabi title eliminator in August

Former interim bantamweight title challenger, Cory Sandhagen is slated to make his return to the Octagon later this summer,…

Former interim bantamweight title challenger, Cory Sandhagen is slated to make his return to the Octagon later this summer, booking a headlining clash with Russian contender, Umar Nurmagomedov in the main event of UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi at the Etihad Arena in the United Arab Emirates on August 4.

Sandhagen, the current number two ranked bantamweight contender, has been sidelined since he headlined UFC Nashville last August, landing a decision win over Rob Font in a short-notice clash – with Nurmagomedov forced from a clash due to an injury setback.

Cory Sandhagen reveals funny reason Umar Nurmagomedov fight I'm a beast b*tch — Mandatory Credit: Josh Hedges – Zuffa LLC

Himself returning from injury following a failed main event against Sandhagen in a March return, Nurmagomedov, the current number nine ranked contender, improved to 17-0 with a decision win over debutante, Bekzat Almakhan.

Cory Sandhagen rebooks title eliminator with Umar Nurmagomedov

News of Sandhagen’s reworked clash with Nurmagomedov was confirmed by the promotion on their official X account this Monday morning.

“They’ll meet for a 5 round battle at #UFCAbuDhabi,” UFC posted. “@CorySandhagen vs. @UNmgdv”

17-4 as a professional, Sandhagen had turned in consecutive decision victories over the above-mentioned, Font, and most recent title challenger, Marlon Vera last year – which came off the back of a knockout win over surging contender, Song Yadong the annum prior.

Competing for interim bantamweight spoils on short-notice at UFC 267, Sandhagen suffered a decision defeat to former undisputed champion, Petr Yan in his most recent visit to Abu Dhabi.

During his tenure with the Dana White-led organization, the previously mentioned, Nurmagomedov has racked up notable victories over the likes of Brian Kelleher, and a stunning knockout triumph over Raoni Barcelos.

UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi takes place on August 4. from the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, with Cory Sandhagen versus Umar Nurmagomedov slated as the official headlining bout.

Who wins at UFC Abu Dhabi this summer: Cory Sandhagen or Umar Nurmagomedov?

Cory Sandhagen set to fight rival Umar Nurmagomedov in UFC Abu Dhabi title eliminator in August

Former interim bantamweight title challenger, Cory Sandhagen is slated to make his return to the Octagon later this summer,…

Cory Sandhagen rebooks title eliminator with Umar Nurmagomedov

News of Sandhagen’s reworked clash with Nurmagomedov was confirmed by the promotion on their official X account this Monday morning.

“They’ll meet for a 5 round battle at #UFCAbuDhabi,” UFC posted. “@CorySandhagen vs. @UNmgdv”

Competing for interim bantamweight spoils on short-notice at UFC 267, Sandhagen suffered a decision defeat to former undisputed champion, Petr Yan in his most recent visit to Abu Dhabi.

UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi takes place on August 4. from the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, with Cory Sandhagen versus Umar Nurmagomedov slated as the official headlining bout.

Who wins at UFC Abu Dhabi this summer: Cory Sandhagen or Umar Nurmagomedov?

Georges St-Pierre’s Coach On Whether He Thinks Cory Sandhagen Is ‘Too Kind’ To Be Elite, Mistakes Made Against Umar Nurmagomedov

Georges St-Pierre’s renowned head coach, Firas Zahabi, recently weighed in on Cory Sandhagen’s performance, suggesting that his lack of elite wrestling skills was a significant factor in his defeat against Umar Nurmagomedov. Sandhagen faced a challenging defeat by a unanimous decision to Nurmagomedov in the main event of UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi last Saturday […]

Continue Reading Georges St-Pierre’s Coach On Whether He Thinks Cory Sandhagen Is ‘Too Kind’ To Be Elite, Mistakes Made Against Umar Nurmagomedov at MMA News.

Sandhagen faced a challenging defeat by a unanimous decision to Nurmagomedov in the main event of UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi last Saturday at the Etihad Arena, once again putting his bantamweight title aspirations on hold.

Nurmagomedov controlled the fight’s tempo almost entirely, showcasing his trademark mix of rapid, diverse striking and dynamic wrestling. He skillfully maneuvered into dominant positions, contorting “The Sandman” at multiple points throughout the contest. Despite Sandhagen’s impeccable defensive acumen and his ability to escape from tight spots, he couldn’t launch a sustained offense to disrupt the relentless Dagestani.

As the fight wore on, Nurmagomedov steadily widened his lead. Though Sandhagen valiantly attempted to rally, his efforts fell short against the relentless onslaught of his opponent. Nurmagomedov maintained his aggressive pace, and finally, all three judges unanimously scored the bout in his favor.

Before the fight, there was widespread belief that Sandhagen would be outmatched by Nurmagomedov’s superior wrestling and grappling skills, and those predictions came true. According to Zahabi, Sandhagen’s defeat stemmed from straying from his game plan after conceding early takedowns…

Zahabi Believes Sandhagen Could Have Dodged Early Takedown Against Nurmagomedov

During a recent video on Tristar Gym’s YouTube channel, Zahabi dissected the Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov bout. When a fan questioned whether Sandhagen is “too kind in nature to be elite” against opponents with strong wrestling backgrounds, the esteemed MMA coach shot down the notion. Rather, he zeroed in on the issues faced by the American being technical instead of mental, noting that “The Sandman” appeared taken aback by Nurmagomedov’s early takedowns, which significantly impacted his performance.

“I really think what screwed him up, what really turned his game plan upside down was he got taken down so early,” Zahabi said. “He got his back exposed even though he got out of it quickly, it’s like ‘wow, that guy shoots really fast; I wasn’t ready for that.’ It seemed like he was a little bit shocked, and then he got taken down again. Yes, but there were two takedowns I think he gave for free when he kicked the leg. I would have told him don’t kick the leg; it’s not a good idea. And those two takedowns, I think, just added to the dominance of Umar. They could have been easily avoided.”

Zahabi further suggested that Sandhagen could have benefited from attempting more takedowns himself, which might have thrown his opponent off balance.”

“Honestly, I think if you threaten people with your takedowns and you threaten them with striking, you’re kind of creating a dilemma. The guy knows, ‘Hey, I can get taken down; I lose this entire round.’ He’s got to divide his attention. He’s got to be on the lookout for that takedown.”

Prior to this setback, Sandhagen was riding high on a three-fight winning streak, which included impressive victories over former bantamweight title challenger Marlon Vera and Song Yadong.

The American had previously vied for the interim title at UFC 267 in October 2021, where he fought valiantly but ultimately fell short in a grueling five-round battle against Petr Yan.

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