Umar Nurmagomedov disappointed with UFC Abu Dhabi win, reveals what Khabib Nurmagomedov told him mid-fight
Umar Nurmagomedov recently expressed his thoughts on his UFC Abu Dhabi win this past Saturday. Despite the victory over Cory Sandhagen, the bantamweight prospect seemed dissatisfied with his performance and disclosed what his cousin and UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov told him during the fight.
Nurmagomedov squared off against the No.2-ranked Sandhagen in the main event of UFC Abu Dhabi in a bantamweight No.1 contender bout. The two were supposed to be the main event of UFC on ESPN 50 in August of last year, but the Dagestani had to pull out because of a shoulder injury.
Nurmagomedov (18-0) was on a five-fight win streak within the promotion before the matchup. He entered the fight with a unanimous decision win against Bekzat Almakhan at UFC Vegas 87 this March.
Meanwhile, Sandhagen (17-5) was on a three-fight win streak. He was coming off a unanimous decision win against Rob Font at UFC on ESPN 50 last year.
Sandhagen did a fantastic job of putting Nurmagomedov under pressure and testing his overall abilities. However, the 32-year-old was unable to cause significant damage to his opponent as Nurmagomedov was able to land counter-attacks with ease.
The bout lasted five rounds and the Dagestani fighter got his hand raised via unanimous decision (49-46 x2 and 50-45).
Check out Umar Nurmagomedov getting his hand raised below:
During the post-fight press conference, Nurmagomedov was asked if he was pleased with his performance. He responded:
''I'm not happy. It was good performance on the striking but if you are talking about grappling, how I control him, it was not good. Because I accept I was doing great. I think I will maul him [Sandhagen] on the ground but he is tough. He is good.''
In addition, Umar revealed what 'The Eagle', who was in his corner during the fight, said to him.
''Now beginning champion rounds. You have to be strong. Don't show weakness.''
Check out Umar Nurmagomedov's comments below: