Khabib's cousin beats Cory Sandhagen in UFC Abu Dhabi main fight and gets closer to title

Umar Nurmagomedov reached the shores of Cory Sandhagen. Photo: Reproduction/UFC Europe

Protagonist of the main fight of UFC Abu Dhabi, held this Saturday (3), Umar Nurmagomedov He did his job, maintained an unbeaten record and got closer to a chance at the bantamweight belt (up to 61,2kg). After five balanced rounds, Khabib's cousin emerged victorious against Cory Sandhagen in the unanimous decision of the judges.

Tenth in the bantamweight rankings, Umar beat his first opponent in the top 15 of the division and has Dana White's promise that he will fight for the title against the winner of Sean O'Malley e Merab Dvalishvili.

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Khabib's cousin remains undefeated in his career, with a record of 18 positive results and no negative results. He should reach second place in the next category update.

Second in the rankings, Sandhagen is unable to defend his position, walks away from another chance to be 'king' in the UFC and suffers his fifth defeat. The North American also has 17 other victories.

Umar Nurmagomedov has a tough fight and beats Cory Sandhagen on points

The first round was Cory Sandhagen. The North American did well, rejecting all of Umar's attempts and, in addition, scoring good shots at the Russian's leg, who changed bases frequently.

In the second round, the balance became evident. Umar sought control on the ground and was effective, but was frustrated in the progressions by Sandhagen, who was already feeling more confident. The summary of the third round was similar to the previous one, with the difference that the Russian had ample control and took it more easily.

Nurmagomedov connected the best blows and imposed an even greater volume, punishing his opponent with hard-hitting punches in his exchange. Unlike the previous rounds, in the fourth he only fell at the end, having previously exchanged equals, being superior to the North American.

Umar had the clearest round for him in the fifth when he imposed a crucial takedown, which left him on top, working strikes and hurting Cory's face, which left him bleeding. He held the position until the end of the fight.

UFC Abu Dhabi results

MAIN CARD (16pm Brasília time)

Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): Umar Nurmagomedov derrotou Cory Sandhagen in unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46, 49-46)

Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Shara Magomedov defeated Michał Oleksiejczuk via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): Deiveson Figueiredo derrotou Marlon Vera in unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Michael chiesa derrotou Tony Ferguson via submission (rear naked choke) at 3m44s of R1

Straw weight (up to 52,1 kg): Mackenzie dern derrotou Lupita Godinez in unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Joel Álvarez defeated elves brener by technical knockout (punches) at 3:36 of R2

PRELIMINARY CARD (13pm Brasília time)

Light heavyweight (up to 93 kg): Azamat Murzakanov derrotou Alonzo Menifield by knockout (punches) at 3min18s of R2

Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Kaue Fernandes defeated Muhammad Yahya by technical knockout (punches) at 4:45 of R1

Heavy weight (up to 120,2 kg): Shamil Gaziev derrotou Don'Tale Mayes in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Guram Kutateladze defeated Jordan Vucenic by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Straw weight (up to 52,1 kg):Sam Hughes derrotou Victoria Dudakova in the judges' split decision (27-30, 29-28, 28-28)

Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Jai Herbert derrotou Rolando Bedoya in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Sedriques Dumas derrotou Denis Tiuliulin in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

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