August 3, 2024 6: 28 pm ET
Umar Nurmagomedov stayed unbeaten after going the range in his veryfirst UFC primary occasion.
The marquee bout of UFC on ABC 7 at Etihad Arena in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi was an essential bantamweight clash inbetween Nurmagomeov (18-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) and an a challenging Cory Sandhagen. After 25 minutes, Nurmagomedov figured out a method to mix in his striking and fumbling to win a choice over Sandhagen (17-5 MMA, 10-4 UFC) with ratings of 50-45, 49-46, and 49-46.
Sandhagen pressured from the center with strikes early, however the unavoidable takedown shot from Nurmagomedov came less than a minute in. The shot was well-timed, however Sandhagen kept things standing and returned to searching for openings with kicks and punches. Nurmagomedov’s 2nd takedown effort was likewise rejected. The 3rd was the beauty, however time was brief, and not much might be done on the ground before the horn.
Nurmagomedov instantly shot for a takedown to start Round 2. He briefly took the back, however Sandhagen worked complimentary and returned to the center to resume striking. Sandhagen would land well as he darted in with punches and leg kicks. Nurmagomedov triggered a wild scramble on the mat after ducking under a punch and taking Sandhagen’s back, however couldn’t safe a submission danger.
Sandhagen’s elusiveness continued to shine in Round 3. He continued to lead the striking exchanges as he changed positions and kept Nurmagomedov thinking. Nurmagomedov discovered Sandhagen’s back, however onceagain, there were just a coupleof seconds left on the clock.
In Round 4, Nurmagomedov sat on his punches more than before, which led to a coupleof extreme exchanges. Nurmagomedov waited upuntil there was half a minute left before shooting in onceagain, leading to another scramble series to close the round.
With 5 minutes left in a close battle, Sandhagen atfirst came out with seriousness, threatening takedowns of his own. Nurmagomedov quickly brushed his challenger aside till it was time to bring the battle to the mat on his own terms with a coupleof minutes to go. For the veryfirst time in the battle, Nurmagomedov protected position on the ground for an extended duration, and kept it there u