UFC Abu Dhabi bonuses and aftermath: Michael Chiesa snubbed, Tony Ferguson almost retires, and more
UFC Abu Dhabi, the first of the organization's two planned trips for the year to the capital of the United Arab Emirates, proved to be a thrilling affair. Several up-and-comers prevailed over experienced contenders, which defined the tone of the 13-fight billing. Nine of those contests ended in decision across the main card and prelims.
Shara Magomedov and Michal Oleksiejczuk led the charge of the recipients of the post-fight bonuses. The co-main event fighters engaged in an exciting three-round affair that saw Magomedov display his trademark quick kicks and varied Muay Thai approach en route to a unanimous decision win. Both fighters received $50,000 for their efforts.
Meanwhile, Joel Alvarez maintained his 100 percent finishing rate after collecting a third-round stoppage win over Elves Brener in the opening fight of the main card. He was awarded the Performance of the Night honors for his effort.
Azamat Murzakanov collected the second Performance of the Night honors with a second-round stoppage win over Alonzo Menifield. The undefeated Russian has rattled off four straight UFC victories and 14 consecutive wins overall.
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While the fans in attendance at the Etihad Arena were treated to an entertaining showcase, it was Umar Nurmagomedov who stole the show with a unanimous decision win over Cory Sandhagen. Holding a 6-0 record in the UFC and 18-0 overall, Nurmagomedov knocks on the door of title contention.
The Dagestani fighter will probably take on the winner of the UFC 306 bantamweight title fight between champion Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili. Nurmagomedov also holds the third-longest active win streak in the bantamweight division (5).
In another notable performance, Mackenzie Dern collected a unanimous decision win over Loopy Godinez that snapped her two-fight skid. With the victory, she became the 17th woman to win nine or more fights in the UFC.
The spell of adversity persists for Tony Ferguson who succumbed to his eighth straight loss. Michael Chiesa submitted Ferguson in the opening round with a rear-naked choke to halt a three-fight losing streak.
Following the loss, 'El Cucuy' opted to just put one glove down and kept one, seemingly hinting toward being open to future fights in the UFC. Speaking in the post-fight interview, Ferguson said:
“I don’t want to retire. I really don’t. But I love the UFC and I don’t want to go anywhere else. So, I’m not going to put both gloves down. I’m going to put one and I’m going to keep the other one just in case.”
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