UFC Abu Dhabi: Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov continues on the main card with the main event fight in the bantamweight division. Sandhagen brings his three-fight winning streak into this main event fight in hopes of getting a potential title shot with a win meanwhile, the undefeated Nurmagomedov has won all 17 of his fights and is looking to remain undefeated with a win this weekend. With that said, check out our UFC odds series for our Sandhagen-Nurmagomedov prediction and pick.
Cory Sandhagen (17-4) is on the cusp of a title shot after winning three fights in a row dominating Rob Font, Marlon Vera, and Song Yadong. Now, Sandhagen will look to become the only fighter to defeat Umar Nurmagomedov and solidify the top spot in the division putting his name in the hat for the next title shot.
Umar Nurmagomedov (17-0) has essentially been the boogeyman in the bantamweight division where many fighters in the rankings have turned down fights with him. He now gets to show the UFC fans and brass that he’s the best bantamweight contender when he faces off against his first-ranked opposition Cory Sandhagen in hopes that a win this weekend will put him right into title contention.
Here are the UFC Abu Dhabi Odds, courtesy of BetOnline.
UFC Abu Dhabi Odds: Cory Sandhagen-Umar Nurmagomedov Odds
Cory Sandhagen: +260
Umar Nurmagomedov: -310
Over 3.5 rounds: -205
Under 3.5 rounds: +165
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Why Cory Sandhagen Will Win
Cory Sandhagen is now riding a three-fight winning streak and is on the verge of his first title shot. However, he needs to go through the undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov to finally get the shot he’s been longing for. It will be up to Sandhagen to make the most of his opportunities this weekend when he steps inside the Octagon to take on Nurmagomedov in Abu Dhabi.
Sandhagen has been at the top of the division for quite some time and it’s because of how well-rounded he is. He is striking is some of the best in the division and it is very hard to deal with when he gets rolling. His footwork is very reminiscent of Dominick Cruz in his prime where he’s hitting without getting countered and then when you try to close distance he will time a takedown and take the fight to the mat. His unorthodox striking is going to be key to throwing off Umar Nurmagomedov in this fight. If he can avoid getting taken down and being put flat on his back as well as getting caught in exchanges on the feet he can give Nurmagomedov the first loss of his career.
Why Umar Nurmagomedov Will Win
Umar Nurmagomedov is looking for a title contender who many believed he would be coming from the Nurmagomedov lineage. With Usman Nurmagomedov the Bellator Lightweight Champion as his brother and Khabib Nurmagomedov as his cousin he has had the best around him at a young age to become the massive star that he could potentially become. However, if he wants that star status he is going to need to go through his stiffest competition to date when he faces off against Cory Sandhagen this weekend in Abu Dhabi.
While Nurmagomedov comes from the well-renown lineage of Nurmagomedovs he’s not a carbon copy of his older cousin Khabib. Nurmagomedov is one to utilize his kicks and his striking more like his younger brother Usman but has a more grapple-heavy approach to his fighting style than his brother. That ability to compete at range against Sandhagen will be key in this matchup. If he can stay comfortable on the feet and put some pressure on Sandhagen he can then in turn land his takedowns which is where this fight will be won if Nurmagomedov becomes victorious.
Final Cory Sandhagen-Umar Nurmagomedov Prediction & Pick
This is a fantastic main event fight between the two top contenders in the bantamweight division as they look to be next in line for a title shot with a win this weekend. This fight is going to be contested more on the feet than people may think and Nurmagomedov could surprise some people with his striking in this matchup. Ultimately, Sandhagen will be doing what he does best and that is to use his movement to get in and out of range but Nurmagomedov will do a good at landing his kicks and strikes timing the movement of Sandhagen and then as he presses him back he takes him down to control him throughout the fight to potentially get the late submission or the nod on the judge’s scorecards to solidify himself as the No. 1 contender.
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Final Cory Sandhagen-Umar Nurmagomedov Prediction & Pick: Umar Nurmagomedov (-310), Over 3.5 Rounds (-205)
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