In his first UFC main event, Umar Nurmagomedov decisively defeated Cory Sandhagen over 25 minutes, not even needing to rely heavily on his wrestling skills.
Nurmagomedov (18-0), the younger cousin of retired legend Khabib Nurmagomedov, won by unanimous decision with scores of 50-45, 49-46, and 49-46. This No. 1 contender bout at 135 pounds headlined UFC Fight Night on Saturday at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
This victory likely secures him a future title shot at 135 pounds against the winner of the September title fight between champion Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili.
“I don’t worry who is going to win [between those two],” Nurmagomedov said. “It doesn’t matter. Just give me the title shot. O’Malley, Merab, someone else, it doesn’t matter. Now, talk about how I haven’t beaten anybody. Cory was [ranked No. 2]. Now you can cry. I’m coming for you.”
Wrestling was part of Nurmagomedov’s game plan, as it always is, but he looked comfortable against Sandhagen (17-5) on the feet. Sandhagen, known as one of the most dynamic strikers in the division, did a great job of defending takedowns and getting back to his feet during scrambles, but he struggled against Nurmagomedov’s striking.
Nurmagomedov effectively countered Sandhagen throughout the five rounds, landing quick, explosive hooks whenever Sandhagen overextended. Sandhagen targeted Nurmagomedov’s legs with kicks but was outstruck 116-77 and had his right eye bloodied in the second round.
To eliminate any doubt from the scorecards, Nurmagomedov secured at least one takedown in each round, usually near the end of the frame.
“I have to believe in my striking,” Nurmagomedov said. “In the second round, I began to feel that I could beat him in striking too. And I did.”
With this win, Nurmagomedov is expected to rise significantly in the bantamweight rankings. His older cousin Khabib was in his corner, along with his brother Usman Nurmagomedov, an undefeated lightweight champion for Bellator MMA.