Umar Nurmagomedov Shines in UFC Victory Over Cory Sandhagen

In an exciting UFC Fight Night event, Umar Nurmagomedov showcased his skills by defeating Cory Sandhagen in a main event bout that went the distance. The fight took place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, marking a significant moment in Nurmagomedov’s career as he made his first appearance as the headline fighter.

Umar, the younger cousin of legendary fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov, demonstrated his prowess by earning a unanimous decision victory against Sandhagen. The official scorecards read 50-45, 49-46, and 49-46, which clearly showed who was in control throughout the fight.

This victory puts Umar in a prime position for a future title shot in the 135-pound division, as he expressed confidence about challenging the winner of the upcoming title fight between Sean O'Malley and Merab Dvalishvili.

During the fight, Nurmagomedov excelled in both striking and grappling, landing more significant strikes than Sandhagen, with a tally of 116 to 77. He found success countering Sandhagen’s dynamic style while also securing takedowns in all five rounds, showcasing his well-rounded skill set.

In contrast, Sandhagen, who was ranked No. 2 and known for his striking abilities, struggled to find his rhythm against Nurmagomedov’s relentless attack. Despite his efforts to target Nurmagomedov’s legs with kicks, it wasn’t enough to turn the tide in his favor.

The win is particularly notable for Umar as it comes in the wake of questions about his competition level. After defeating a top contender like Sandhagen, he made a statement by saying, “Now you can cry. I’m coming for you,” challenging anyone who doubts his ability.

Alongside Umar in his corner were his cousin Khabib and brother Usman, both of whom are influential figures in the MMA world. The family’s legacy in fighting continues to grow with Umar’s recent success.

This UFC Fight Night card also featured several other interesting matchups, including Deiveson Figueiredo taking on Marlon Vera and Tony Ferguson aiming to avoid a record for most consecutive losses in UFC history against Michael Chiesa.