Umar Nurmagomedov lands decision win over Cory Sandhagen in return fight – UFC Abu Dhabi Highlights

Umar Nurmagomedov lands decision win over Cory Sandhagen in return fight - UFC Abu Dhabi HighlightsSurging bantamweight contender, Umar Nurmagomedov has likely earned his shot at the divisional throne off the back of his…

Umar Nurmagomedov lands decision win over Cory Sandhagen in return fight - UFC Abu Dhabi Highlights

Surging bantamweight contender, Umar Nurmagomedov has likely earned his shot at the divisional throne off the back of his return tonight against former championship challenger, Cory Sandhagen — landing a unanimous decision win in their UFC Abu Dhabi main event matchup.

Nurmagomedov, the cousin of former undisputed lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov — who cornered his relative tonight in the Middle East, turned in professional victory number eighteen tonight — improved his unbeaten record to boot.

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Making his premiere outing over the course of five rounds, Nurmagomedov handed Sandhagen his first defeat amid a three-fight winning run tonight in the United Arab Emirates, mixing in some striking from range as well as a slew of takedown attempts.

Manging to take Sandhagen’s back on cue throughout the twenty five minute main event clash, Nurmagomedov failed with all but five successful takedowns, taking the former’s back and riding out each of the five rounds in a controlling position en route to a unanimous decision shutout.

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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – AUGUST 03: Umar Nurmagomedov of Russia attempts to takedown Cory Sandhagen in a bantamweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at Etihad Arena on August 03, 2024 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

And following his victory, Umar Nurmagomedov called for a title fight against the victor of Noche UFC’s main event as Sean O’Malley takes on Merab Dvalishvili next month at the Las Vegas Sphere.

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Below, catch the highlights from Umar Nurmagomedov’s decision win over Cory Sandhagen

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.

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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.

UFC Fight Night: Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov Ceremonial Weigh-In Live Stream

UFC Fight Night: Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov takes place on Saturday, and MMA News is here to bring you the final faceoffs from the ceremonial weigh-ins! After staging its return to Manchester, England, for the UFC 304 pay-per-view last weekend, MMA’s leading promotion has remained on the road for a card inside the Etihad Arena […]

Continue Reading UFC Fight Night: Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov Ceremonial Weigh-In Live Stream at MMA News.

UFC Fight Night: Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov takes place on Saturday, and MMA News is here to bring you the final faceoffs from the ceremonial weigh-ins!

After staging its return to Manchester, England, for the UFC 304 pay-per-view last weekend, MMA’s leading promotion has remained on the road for a card inside the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.

Before returning to the venue for its annual numbered event this October, the UFC will put on a Fight Night event topped by elite bantamweight contenders Cory Sandhagen and Umar Nurmagomedov. The former interim title challenger and his undefeated Russian opponent will be looking to stake their claims for a shot at the winner of Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili.

Saturday’s co-headliner, meanwhile, will see another unbeaten name back in action as Sharabutdin Magomedov looks to make it three from three in the UFC at the expense of Micha? Oleksiejczuk.

Before that, a second crucial contest at 135 pounds will go down. Making the walk for the first time since his defeat to O’Malley in their UFC 299 title fight, Marlon Vera will look to revive his championship ambitions before stalling the two-weight goals of ex-flyweight kingpin Deiveson Figueiredo.

Elsewhere on the lineup, the likes of former interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson and strawweight submission specialist Mackenzie Dern are among those set to be in action.

Ahead of the event, all 26 fighters successfully made weight. With that, all that remains on Friday is for the athletes to face off one final time at the UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi ceremonial weigh-ins!

Check out a stream via the official UFC YouTube channel below, commencing at 10 AM ET.

UFC Fight Night Ceremonial Weigh-In Live Stream

Continue Reading UFC Fight Night: Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov Ceremonial Weigh-In Live Stream at MMA News.