UFC Abu Dhabi: Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov: Live round-by-round updates
The UFC Abu Dhabi Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov round-by-round updates are here to provide fans with real-time analysis and live scoring of the bantamweight main event for the promotion's return to the United Arab Emirates, with the bout being significant for both men.
First, it is a bantamweight title eliminator that will identify the next challenger for whoever will emerge as the 135-pound champion between Sean O'Malley and Merab Dvalishvili at Riyadh Season Noche UFC. Second, the fight has its own history and importance.
Sandhagen and Nurmagomedov were previously scheduled to face each other back in mid-2023. Unfortunately, a shoulder injury forced the 'Young Eagle' to withdraw from the bout. Moreover, it is a massive step-up in competition for Nurmagomedov, who is ranked #10, taking on the #2 ranked Sandhagen.
Nevertheless, the hype behind Nurmagomedov is significant due to his undefeated 17-0 record, patented Dagestani school of wrestling, and familial ties to the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov. However, 'The Sandman,' who is as well-rounded as anyone, is confident in putting his 17-4 record on the line.
Despite their disparity in rankings, it is Nurmagomedov who the oddsmakers favor, with DraftKings Sportsbook listing him as a -345 favorite, while Sandhagen is regarded as a +275 underdog.
Follow Sportskeeda for play-by-play analysis and live scoring of the bantamweight title eliminator.
UFC Abu Dhabi: Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov
Round 1: The round starts with both men at range, before Sandhagen applies immediate pressure. Nurmagomedov is quick to land kicks to the legs and body before securing a slick takedown. Unfortunately for the unbeaten Dagestani, Sandhagen pops back up and is back on the pressure.
Nurmagomedov hasn't earned Sandhagen's respect, eating a jab to the body. He shoots for a takedown, but Sandhagen defends well. The undefeated Dagestani lands a few kicks, but eats several more. He's against the fence, and 'The Sandman' lands some good strikes.
'The Young Eagle' struggles for space and secures his second takedown, which Sandhagen tries to roll over only to give up back control. 10-9 Sandhagen.
Round 2: Sandhagen on the front foot again, landing kicks. Nurmagomedov shoots for a takedown and uses it to transition to a rear-bodylock, but it leads to nothing. Sandhagen cracks Nurmagomedov with a hard right. 'The Young Eagle' has yet to impose himself in the fight.
A check hook lands for Sandhagen, as do several low kicks. More kicks from Sandhagen. Nurmagomedov eats a hard round kick to the midsection, and a check. Jabs land for 'The Young Eagle,' cutting Sandhagen above the eye. Nurmagomeodv secures a slick backtake and threatens a choke.
Sandhagen manages to scramble out of it. Nurmagomedov lands a brief trip, before Sandhagen explodes back up to end the round. 10-9 Sandhagen.
Round 3: Both men circling before Sandhagen starts landing kicks. The fight stays on the feet, with Nurmagomedov checking one of his foe's low kicks. 'The Sandman' scores a brief outside trip, but Nurmagomedov is quick to get on his feet. Lots of stance-switching from 'The Sandman.'
A takedown for Nurmagomedov, but Sandhagen spins and gets back to his feet. The fight is competitive, but it's evident in how it's progressing that that it's a massive step up in competition for Nurmagomedov. 'The Young Eagle' lands a takedown and takes the back to end the round. 10-9 Nurmagomedov.
Round 4: The two men exchange on the feet, with Sandhagen maintaining forward pressure, landing a nice leaping lead hook. Nurmagomedov with a nice one-two, but eats a check hook. Another one-two for 'The Young Eagle,' bloodying up Sandhagen's nose.
An overhand right lands for for Nurmagomedov. They trade on the feet, before Nurmagomedov shoots for a takedown and takes the back. Sandhagen tries to roll out of it and Nurmagomedov threatens a choke to end the round. 10-9 Nurmagomedov.
Round 5: They start the round striking, and Sandhagen shoots for a takedown, but it's stuffed. Nurmagomedov lunging with leaping one-twos. 'The Young Eagle' catches Sandhagen with a nice combination. He's on the front foot now, landing kicks, before shooting for a takedown and getting it.
Sandhagen tires to roll out of it, but Nurmagomedov takes the back. 'The Sandman' threatens with a triangle choke, but Nurmagomedov defends well to end up on top. A scramble ensues, and Nurmagomedov ends up on Sandhagen's back. More scrambles occur, but Nurmagomedov is superior on the mat.
He's back in full guard to end the round with ground-and-pound. 10-9 Nurmagomedov.
Official Decision: Umar Nurmagomedov def. Cory Sandhagen via unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46, 49-46)