The UFC is set to host its Abu Dhabi fight card this Saturday, also referred to as UFC on ABC 7, at the Etihad Arena. The main event features Cory Sandhagen going up against Umar Nurmagomedov in a crucial bantamweight matchup.
UFC Abu Dhabi kicks off at 3:00 p.m. ET on ABC, following the preliminary fights starting at 12:00 p.m. ET on ESPN2 and ESPN+.
Cory Sandhagen enters this bantamweight clash as the No. 2 contender in the official UFC 135-pound rankings. His opponent, the undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov, who is the cousin of former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, holds the No. 10 ranking.
Below, we take a deep dive into the Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov fight.
Careers
Cory Sandhagen
Cory Sandhagen (17-4) made his UFC debut in 2018 with a record of 7-1. He started his career in the promotion with an impressive unbeaten streak, winning his first five fights, which included decision victories over John Lineker and Raphael Assuncao. This success propelled the then 28-year-old to the No. 4 ranking in the UFC's bantamweight division, setting up a fight against No. 2 ranked Aljamain Sterling.
In that matchup, the skilled Sterling submitted Sandhagen in the first round, securing himself a title shot in the bantamweight division, which he went on to win in his next fight. Despite the loss, Sandhagen's ranking remained unaffected, keeping him at No. 4.
After experiencing his first loss in the UFC, Sandhagen was matched up against the top-ranked Marlon Moraes. He emerged victorious in that bout, securing a "Performance of the Night" bonus with a spectacular spinning wheel kick knockout. Watch UFC live stream.
This impressive finish propelled Sandhagen to the No. 2 ranking in the division and set up a fight with former UFC lightweight champion Frankie Edgar. Sandhagen quickly took control, finishing Edgar with a brutal flying knee just 28 seconds into the fight, once again earning a "Performance of the Night" bonus for his remarkable performance. Streameast UFC.
After his victory over Edgar, Sandhagen suffered a decision loss to former UFC bantamweight champion T.J. Dillashaw. He then faced ex-135-pound champion Petr Yan for the interim UFC bantamweight title in October 2021. Their match was awarded "Fight of the Night" at UFC 267, but Yan emerged victorious, claiming the belt by unanimous decision.
Since that defeat, the 32-year-old Sandhagen has rebounded with a three-fight winning streak, securing victories against Song Yadong, Marlon “Chito” Vera, and most recently, Rob Font in August. UFC Streams.
Umar Nurmagomedov
Umar Nurmagomedov (17-0) entered the UFC with an impressive 12-0 record. As an undefeated fighter hailing from Dagestan, he certainly caught the attention of MMA fans. With the last name Nurmagomedov and being the cousin of former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, expectations were sky-high for him even before he made his Octagon debut.
In his inaugural UFC fight, Nurmagomedov faced Sergey Morozov and showcased a distinct fighting style compared to his cousin. He displayed agility and employed a kick-heavy strategy before transitioning to takedowns. Once on the ground, Nurmagomedov maintained a dominant position on his opponent's back while executing multiple mat returns. The bout concluded at 3:39 of Round 2 with Nurmagomedov securing a submission victory.
Victories over Brian Kelleher and Nate Maness propelled Nurmagomedov into the bantamweight rankings, and a knockout win against Raoni Barcelos solidified his position. Most recently, the 28-year-old Nurmagomedov triumphed over Bekzat Almakhan by decision. UFC live stream free.
UFC Abu Dhabi Betting Odds: Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov
Cory Sandhagen, despite his extensive experience in the UFC, opened as a +225 underdog against Umar Nurmagomedov, who was favored at -278. However, the odds have changed leading up to Saturday's fight, with Nurmagomedov now sitting at -350 and Sandhagen at +235.
Key Statistics
Sandhagen averages 5.33 significant strikes landed per minute, boasting an accuracy rate of 44%. His striking defense stands at 58%, while he absorbs 3.40 significant strikes per minute. Additionally, Sandhagen records an average of 1.36 takedowns every 15 minutes, with a takedown accuracy of 33%. His takedown defense is rated at 64%.
Nurmagomedov records an average of 4.75 significant strikes per minute, boasting an impressive accuracy rate of 69%. His striking defense stands at 76%, allowing him to absorb just 0.56 strikes per minute. In terms of grappling, he averages 4.51 takedowns every 15 minutes with a 56% success rate, and he has a perfect takedown defense at 100%.
**UFC Abu Dhabi Prediction and Pick: Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov**
This matchup presents an intriguing dynamic. Sandhagen is a well-established fighter, while Nurmagomedov remains somewhat of an enigma against elite competition. Sandhagen's style can be erratic and risky, which may provide Nurmagomedov with opportunities to exploit any imbalance or mispositioning. With his speed and wrestling prowess, Nurmagomedov is well-equipped to counter effectively. Conversely, Sandhagen only requires a brief moment and some space to unleash his powerful strikes.
In summary, I believe the matchup leans in favor of Nurmagomedov, and I predict he will secure a decision victory on Saturday in Abu Dhabi. However, for those seeking betting value, a knockout win for Sandhagen is also a possibility worth considering.