In a highly anticipated match at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi, Umar Nurmagomedov decisively defeated Cory Sandhagen via unanimous decision. The judges scored the bout 50-45, 49-46, and 49-46, all in favor of Nurmagomedov, highlighting his dominance throughout the contest.
A Competitive Battle from the Start
The fight was fiercely competitive from the opening bell. Both fighters demonstrated their striking prowess early on, exchanging leg kicks and punches in the first round. Nurmagomedov set the tone with a successful takedown, gaining a pivotal position by taking Sandhagen's back. However, Sandhagen's resilience came to the fore as he defended against Nurmagomedov's hooks and returned to striking range.
Sandhagen continued to showcase his grappling defense by stuffing Nurmagomedov's subsequent takedown attempts. Whenever Nurmagomedov managed to bring the fight to the canvas, Sandhagen either defended effectively or scrambled free, demonstrating his readiness for any ground engagement.
Nurmagomedov Controls the Pace
Despite Sandhagen's defensive efforts, Nurmagomedov controlled the fight's pace, effectively dictating the rhythm and flow of the bout. As the rounds progressed, both fighters found success with striking, engaging in exchanges that kept the audience on the edge of their seats.
However, it was clear that Nurmagomedov was growing more confident with each passing round. Sandhagen, backed by his corner's encouragement to increase the pressure, struggled to establish a decisive advantage in striking. This allowed Nurmagomedov to maintain his composure and execute his game plan effectively.
The Decisive Fifth Round
The final half of the fifth round proved to be a turning point. Nurmagomedov secured a crucial takedown, grounding Sandhagen and showcasing his superior grappling skills. Sandhagen found himself under control as the fight drew to a close, unable to escape Nurmagomedov's grasp. This pivotal moment cemented Nurmagomedov's victory, ensuring a unanimous decision from the judges.
Post-Fight Reflections
Reflecting on his performance, Nurmagomedov acknowledged Sandhagen's toughness: "He was more tough than I expected. This guy is really tough. I think I deserved the win and feel like I beat him in every round. I tried to take him down but he had good defense. I have to believe in myself. For the second round I began to feel I could beat him on striking, too. And I did it."
Looking to the future, Nurmagomedov made his intentions clear: "It doesn't matter for me, who is going to be next. Just give me the title shot. Merab or O'Malley. I'm coming for you." His decisive victory over Sandhagen positions him as a formidable contender eagerly eyeing a title shot, further bolstering his reputation in the UFC.