In an exhilarating bout at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi, Umar Nurmagomedov showcased his superiority by winning a unanimous decision over Cory Sandhagen. The judges' scorecards reflected his dominance, with scores of 50-45, 49-46, and 49-46 all in favor of Nurmagomedov.
The fight started competitively, with both fighters seeking to establish their game plans early on. Nurmagomedov made a significant move by executing a successful takedown and taking Sandhagen's back. However, Sandhagen demonstrated his resilience, defending against Nurmagomedov's hooks and managing to return to striking range.
Back and Forth Action
The first round saw both fighters exchanging leg kicks and punches, signaling a well-matched contest. As the round progressed, Sandhagen adeptly stuffed subsequent takedown attempts by Nurmagomedov and managed to defend or scramble free when brought to the canvas.
Despite Sandhagen's defensive efforts, it was Nurmagomedov who controlled the fight's pace. Both fighters found success in their striking game as the match advanced, but Sandhagen struggled to establish a decisive advantage. Sandhagen's corner, recognizing the need for more aggression, urged him to increase the pressure.
Nurmagomedov, on the other hand, grew more confident as the rounds went by. In a critical moment during the final half of the fifth round, he scored a pivotal takedown, grounding Sandhagen and maintaining control as the fight drew to a close.
Judges' Verdict and Fighters' Reactions
When the scorecards were announced, the unanimous decision in favor of Nurmagomedov was clear. Reflecting on his performance, Nurmagomedov stated, "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 ahead, Nurmagomedov expressed his ambitions for a title shot. "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," asserted Nurmagomedov, signaling his intentions to face the winner of the Merab Dvalishvili vs. Sean O'Malley bout.
With this victory, Nurmagomedov not only affirmed his prowess in the Octagon but also clearly positioned himself as a formidable contender for the title. His ability to mix striking with ground control exemplified the well-rounded skill set necessary to thrive at the highest levels of the sport.