In an electrifying display of combat sports, Umar Nurmagomedov showcased his prowess by winning a unanimous decision over Cory Sandhagen at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi. The bout, which was intensely competitive from the outset, saw Nurmagomedov securing scores of 50-45, 49-46, and 49-46 from the judges, highlighting his dominance across the rounds.
The fight kicked off with both athletes demonstrating their striking capabilities, as they exchanged leg kicks and punches. The first round saw Nurmagomedov executing a successful takedown, gaining control of Sandhagen’s back. However, Sandhagen's resilience was immediately evident as he defended against Nurmagomedov's hooks and skillfully returned to striking range.
Determined to match Nurmagomedov’s grappling skills, Sandhagen successfully stuffed subsequent takedown attempts, illustrating his defensive acumen. Whenever Nurmagomedov managed to bring Sandhagen to the canvas, the latter either defended or scrambled free, refusing to stay grounded.
Nurmagomedov, however, controlled the fight's pace, gradually building confidence as the rounds progressed. Both fighters found striking success, exchanging punches and leg kicks, but Sandhagen struggled to establish a decisive advantage in striking. The narrative of the fight became one of tactical execution versus defensive tenacity.
Sandhagen's corner, recognizing the need for a shift in momentum, encouraged him to increase the pressure. Despite these entreaties, Sandhagen continued to face challenges in tilting the fight decisively in his favor. Nurmagomedov's confidence only grew with each passing round, reflecting in his tactical execution and resilience. "He was more tough than I expected. This guy is really tough," Nurmagomedov admitted post-fight. "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." His belief in his striking capabilities also became evident as the match wore on. "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."
The pivotal moment came in the final half of the fifth round. With both fighters exhausted but still resolute, Nurmagomedov scored a crucial takedown, grounding Sandhagen and maintaining control until the fight’s conclusion. It was a definitive end to a bout that had remained competitive till the last moment.
The unanimous decision reflected a fight well-fought by Nurmagomedov, with the judges comfortably favoring him on the scorecards. Sandhagen, despite his valiant efforts and remarkable defense, could not overcome Nurmagomedov's tactical excellence and superior control.
Looking ahead, Nurmagomedov has his sights set firmly on greater challenges within the octagon. He has expressed a keen interest in facing the winner of the upcoming bout between Merab Dvalishvili and Sean O'Malley. "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," he declared, signalling his readiness to take on the elite for a title shot.
With this performance, Nurmagomedov not only secured a victory but also sent a powerful message to the rest of the division. Confident and composed, he has earmarked himself as a formidable contender poised for future glory in the UFC.