Umar Nurmagomedov set to face winner of Sean O'Malley and Merab Dvalishvili at UFC Noche clash: "I hope I will fight next"
Umar Nurmagomedov is set to face the biggest test of his mixed martial arts career when he faces Cory Sandhagen in the main event of UFC on ABC 7 this weekend.
The No.10-ranked bantamweight recently revealed that he will face the winner of the upcoming UFC 306 title bout between Sean O'Malley and Merab Dvalishvili if he can get past his opponent.
Speaking to Mike Bohn of MMA Junkie, 'Young Eagle' was asked if he feels he will receive a title opportunity with a victory, responding:
"When Sean O'Malley fought with Petr Yan, no one complained. No one said, 'hey, why is No.10 fighting with No.1? I think he was No.1, Petr Yan was No.1 and no one complained, but when they give me a good opportunity, everyone begins to cry. I don't know why."
After Bohn noted that O'Malley was ranked 11th before facing Petr Yan, Nurmagomedov added:
"Same situation. I hope I will fight next, inshallah. I will fight, I think. They said I will fight. Who will win [between him and Sandhagen], he will fight."
Check out Umar Nurmagomedov's comments on fighting for the bantamweight title below (starting at the 3:40 mark):
Nurmagomedov will have an opportunity to make a big leap in the bantamweight rankings as he faces the No.2-ranked Sandhagen. The pair had previously been set to headline UFC on ESPN 50 last August, however, the former was forced to withdraw with a shoulder injury. They will now clash with a bantamweight title opportunity on the line.
Umar Nurmagomedov responds to Sean O'Malley claims he would pull out of UFC on ABC 7
Umar Nurmagomedov has withdrawn from four bouts since making his UFC debut in January 2021. He recently responded to Sean O'Malley suggesting that he would pull out of his upcoming UFC on ABC 7 main event clash with Cory Sandhagen. When asked about the bantamweight champion's comments by Mike Bohn of MMA Junkie, the No.10-ranked bantamweight claimed:
"I think it's what they pray about. They hope I will pull out and will not take this opportunity to fight for the title. They wish this."
Check out Umar Nurmagomedov's response to Sean O'Malley below (starting at the 4:45 mark):
Nurmagomedov added that it doesn't matter who wins the UFC 306 title bout between O'Malley and Merab Dvalishvili in September. He did note, however, that he expects it to be a tough matchup for both fighters.