UFC Abu Dhabi main card preview & free betting tips | August 4

Sunday’s main card for UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs Nurmagomedov at Etihad Arena in the United Arab Emirates has an international flavour. Highlights include undefeated Russian Shara Magomedov against Michal Oleksiejczuk, and former flyweight champ Deiveson Figueiredo taking on recent bantamweight contender Marlon Vera. Read on for our free UFC betting tips and analysis.

Cory Sandhagen v Umar Nurmagomedov

Cory Sandhagen vs Umar Nurmagomedov

Can Cory Sandhagen spoil Umar Nurmagomedov’s perfect record? See our fight preview and predictions for the UFC Abu Dhabi main event here.

Shara Magomedov v Michal Oleksiejczuk

Shara Magomedov vs Michal Oleksiejczuk

Shara Magomedov (13-0-0) made his UFC debut in 2023 and has produced a pair of winning efforts, including a third-round knockout victory over Antonio Trocoli just over a month ago. The Russian brings a fan-friendly ferocity to the cage, and this matchup appears designed to pad his unbeaten record and add to the 30-year-old’s growing status.

Michal Oleksiejczuk (19-8-0) has lost three of his last four UFC fights. He struggles on the mat and has suffered six submission defeats as a professional. This may be the 29-year-old Pole’s last opportunity to impress matchmakers if he is to avoid being cut from the UFC roster to make way for a more durable athlete.

Marlon Vera v Deiveson Figueiredo

Marlon Vera vs Deiveson Figueiredo

Marlon Vera (23-9-1) fought admirably for the bantamweight title in March 2024, losing via unanimous decision to incumbent Sean O’Malley. The 31-year-old boasts legendary toughness and has never been stopped throughout his lengthy career. The Ecuadorian can struggle for output on occasion, but he might be an upset chance at nice odds with online bookmakers.

Deiveson Figueiredo (23-3-1) has impressed since moving up to bantamweight, recording a pair of tidy wins over Cody Garbrandt and Rob Font. The former flyweight champ looks more comfortable at 135 pounds, but he will face a height and reach disadvantage here and may need to take this bout to the mat if he is to prevail over a naturally gifted striker.

Tony Ferguson v Michael Chiesa

Tony Ferguson vs Michael Chiesa

Tony Ferguson (26-10-0) continues his endless swansong that now includes seven straight losses and increasingly diminishing returns. The 40-year-old is ever hopeful of recapturing his now-distant glory days, but that appears unlikely at this point and retirement surely beckons.

Michael Chiesa (18-7-0) has fought poorly and sporadically since 2021 with three straight losing efforts. The 36-year-old is much better than these results suggest, but he lacks the iron discipline required to fight regularly and train competitively. He should easily prevail in this lopsided matchup at skinny odds with Australian betting sites.

Mackenzie Dern v Lupita Godinez

Mackenzie Dern vs Lupita Godinez

Mackenzie Dern (13-5-0) has been exposed as a one-dimensional talent in recent years, with just a single win from her last four UFC appearances. The 31-year-old lacks the athleticism required to compete effectively on the feet and often looks outclassed against more technical strikers. She retains a solid ground game and will hold an advantage during the wrestling and grappling portion of this contest.

Lupita Godinez (12-4-0) was riding a four-fight winning streak until colliding with the talented Virna Jandiroba in March, when she lost via unanimous decision. The 30-year-old is busy on the feet, hopping in and out of striking range, and appears attractively priced to bounce back, particularly if she can stuff the early takedown attempts that come her way.

Joel Alvarez v Elves Brener

Joel Alvarez vs Elves Brener

Joel Alvarez (20-3-0) is a talented grappler with five wins from his last six appearances. The Spaniard has a remarkable 17 wins via submission on his record and has improved his standup in recent efforts. The 31-year-old may not get his own way on the mat here, though, and the opening striking exchanges may determine if he emerges victorious.

Elves Brener (16-4-0) is no stranger to BJJ, as 11 of his professional wins come via tapout. The Brazilian might have an advantage in the power department, but he will need to close the distance against a long and rangy opponent. If he can get close enough, hooks to the body may present finishing opportunities for the betting outsider.

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