Nurmagomedov Secures Unanimous Decision Over Sandhagen in Competitive Bout
Umar Nurmagomedov showcased his well-rounded skills to secure a unanimous decision victory over Cory Sandhagen at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi. The judges awarded Nurmagomedov scores of 50-45, 49-46, and 49-46, reflecting his control and strategic dominance throughout the fight.
The bout was fiercely contested from the outset. Both fighters engaged in an evenly matched exchange of leg kicks and punches in the first round. Nurmagomedov managed an early takedown, seizing Sandhagen’s back, but Sandhagen displayed resilient defense, escaping from Nurmagomedov's hooks to return to striking range.
Throughout the early rounds, Sandhagen effectively thwarted several of Nurmagomedov's subsequent takedown attempts, showing impressive ability to either defend or scramble free when dragged to the canvas. The exchanges saw both competitors finding their moments of success in striking, with neither fighter able to establish a decisive advantage initially.
As the fight progressed, Nurmagomedov began to control the pace more effectively. He appeared increasingly confident in his striking, stating, "For the second round I began to feel I could beat him on striking, too. And I did it." His evolving strategy saw him pressure Sandhagen consistently, despite Sandhagen’s corner urging their fighter to increase his own pressure.
The final half of the fifth round proved pivotal for Nurmagomedov. He executed a well-timed takedown that effectively grounded Sandhagen, maintaining control until the end. This decisive action underscored Nurmagomedov's ability to seize critical moments and secure a clear victory.
Reflecting on the bout, Nurmagomedov praised his opponent'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.”
With this victory, Nurmagomedov has set his sights on a title shot, expressing interest in facing the winner of the upcoming Merab Dvalishvili vs. Sean O'Malley bout. He made his intentions clear, stating, "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."
As Nurmagomedov looks ahead to potential title contention, his performance in Abu Dhabi has undoubtedly solidified his status as a formidable contender. With an impressive display of technique, strategy, and confidence, Nurmagomedov's trajectory within the UFC continues to ascend. Sandhagen, despite the loss, demonstrated resilience and capability, suggesting he remains a competitive force in the division.
The fight night in Abu Dhabi will be remembered not only for Nurmagomedov’s decisive victory but also for the high-caliber competition both fighters brought to the octagon. Both men’s performances reflected the evolving dynamics and deepening talent pool of mixed martial arts.