UFC Abu Dhabi featured marquee bantamweight matchups as top contenders Cory Sandhagen and Umar Nurmagomedov clashed over five rounds in a title eliminator matchup.
UFC Abu Dhabi’s feature five-round fight showcased a bantamweight title-eliminator matchup between No. 2-ranked Cory Sandhagen (17-5-0) and No. 10-ranked Umar Nurmagomedov (18-0-0).
UFC Abu Dhabi Main Event: Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov
Nurmagomedov came into this UFC Abu Dhabi main event fight as the heavy betting favorite and showed why, displaying a well-rounded game against Sandhagen.
The first round opened up with the two elite bantamweights exchanging leg kicks as Sandhagen pressured forward until Nurmagomedov slickly secured the back of Sandhagen.
However, Sandhagen’s resilience was on full display as he managed to get back to his feet, showcasing great anti-grappling skills. He continued to land his low kicks on Nurmagomedov and displayed commendable takedown defense. He even managed to land more effective shots on the Dagestani fighter in this round, earning the admiration of the audience.
That said, the rest of the fight played out with Nurmagomedov mixing up his takedown attempts with effective and clean striking. Sandhagen seemed too interested in the grappling exchanges and failed to match Nurmagomedov’s activity.
As the fight continued, Sandhagen became more tired and started throwing his kicks to the body more telegraphed, leading to Nurmagomedov capitalizing on it by catching them and securing takedowns or landing punches.
Nurmagomedov beat Sandhagen everywhere in this bantamweight title eliminator matchup at UFC Abu Dhabi. After five hard-fought round the judges scorecard gave a unanimous nod to Nurmagomedov.
Results: Nurmagomedov via Unanimous Decision (50-45, 49-46, 49-46)
UFC Abu Dhabi Co-main Event: Sharaputdin Magomedov vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk
UFC Abu Dhabi’s co-main event featured middleweight Sharaputdin Magomedov (14-0-0) and Michal Oleksiejczuk (19-9-0, 1NC).
Magomedov maintained his undefeated record after displaying his impressive striking skills against Oleksiejczuk in this three-round UFC Abu Dhabi bout.
The Dagestani fighter used his variety of kicks and counter-punching to outland and damage the Polish man.
Oleksiejczuk applied constant pressure on Magomedov throughout the fight and even landed a few takedowns on the striker. However, these takedowns did not matter, as Magomedov kept getting back to his feet and outlanded Oleksiejczuk.
After three intense rounds, the judges unanimously favored Magomedov, acknowledging his superior striking output and the damage he inflicted.
Result: Magomedov via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera vs. Deiveson Figueiredo
UFC Abu Dhabi had not one, but two important bantamweight fights on the main card as No. 4-ranked Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera (23-10-1) and No. 6-ranked Deiveson Figueiredo (24-3-1) clashed over three rounds.
This three-round fight between elite bantamweights showed Figueiredo’s impressive punching power and experienced decision-making inside the cage.
That said, Figueiredo opened the first round of the fight by landing hard low kicks, looking to close the distance, and landing hard punches.
Vera landed his fair share of strikes in this round as he kept up with Figueiredo’s activity. After being taken down, he neutralized the ground game with elbows from the bottom on the former flyweight champ.
The second round showed Vera looking to take the center of the octagon more as he pressured Figueiredo backward while landing many kicks.
Vera’s strategic use of kicks in this round was impressive, allowing him to outmaneuver Figueiredo and maintain his forward momentum. His tight guard effectively blocked most of the strikes Figueiredo attempted in this round.
The third and final round opened with Figueiredo immediately attempting a takedown. Vera successfully stuffed this attempt and proceeded to land leg kicks.
The two fighters took the center of the cage and engaged in a hard-fought stand-up match, exchanging thudding punches and kicks. The fight reached its peak around the 3-minute mark when Figueiredo landed a colossal right hand that sent Vera sprawling back to the canvas.
This moment is what ultimately secured the decision of the former flyweight champion.
Result: Figueiredo via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Tony Ferguson vs. Michael Chiesa
UFC Abu Dhabi featured a three round welterweight matchup between former ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ winners Tony Ferguson (26-11-0) and Michael Chiesa (19-7-0).
Both men spent the first minute looking to gauge the striking distance by measuring with their lead hands. Little to no punches or kicks were attempted.
Chiesa threw the first strike as he attempted a high kick, which Ferguson blocked. Ferguson continued applying his pressure, and eventually, both men engaged in tight pocket boxing exchanges.
Chiesa landed his fair share of punches as Ferguson looked to roll with them and keep his pressure.
This fight did not last long as Chiesa worked to push Ferguson back to the cage, secure his back, and drop him to the canvas. From there, it was only a matter of time before Chiesa tightly secured a rear naked choke, which forced Ferguson to tap.
Result: Chiesa via Submission R1
Click here to watch Tony Ferguson’s post-fight press conference. Coverage via ‘TheMacLife’ on YouTube.
Other Fights on UFC Abu Dhabi
Main Card:
- (W 115 lbs.) Mackenzie Dern (14-5-0) vs. Lupita Godinez (12-5-0): Dern via Decision
- (155 lbs.) Joel Alvarez (21-3-0) vs. Elves Brener (16-5-0): Alvarez via KO/TKO R3
Prelims:
- (205 lbs.) Azamat Murzakanov (14-0-0) vs. Alonzo Menifield (15-5-1): Murzakanov via KO/TKO R2
- (155 lbs.) Mohammad Yahya (12-5-0) vs. Kaue Fernandes (9-2-0): Fernandes via KO/TKO R1
- (265 lbs.) Shamil Gaziev (13-1-0) vs Don’Tale Mayes (11-7-0, 1NC): Gaziev via Decision
- (155 lbs.) Guram Kutateladze (13-4-0) vs. Jordan Vucenic (13-3-0): Kutateladze via Decision
- (W 115 lbs.) Vikitoriia Dudakova (8-1-0) vs. Sam Hughes (9-6-0): Hughes via Decision
- (155 lbs.) Jai Herbert (13-5-1) vs. Rolando Bedoya (14-4-0): Herbert via Decision
- (185 lbs.) Sedriques Dumas (10-2-0) vs. Denis Tiuliulin (10-10-0, 1NC): Dumas via Decision
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