Umar Nurmagomedov sends statement at UFC Abu Dhabi

Umar Nurmagomedov has issued a statement about his title credentials, comprehensively defeating No.2 ranked bantamweight Cory Sandhagen in the main event of UFC Abu Dhabi on Saturday night.

The undefeated Russian extended his professional record to 18-0-0 with a unanimous decision victory over Sandhagen, and has now won six fights in a row in the UFC.

While Nurmagomedov had not defeated any fighters of note in the division since debuting in 2021, bookmaker PlayUp still had him as a $1.29 favourite heading into the fight.

Sandhagen, who had lost two of his last five bouts coming into Saturday night, was a $3.70 underdog.

UFC bookmakers nailed the odds, as the contest was ultimately dominated by Nurmagomedov who countered well and looked composed across five rounds.

Nurmagomedov ready for title fight says team

After the victory on Saturday, Nurmagomedov’s trainer shared that he believes the 28-year-old is ready for a title fight.

“I think he’s ready,” he said.

“His opponent was very good. He’s No.2 in the world, was fighting for the title. [Sandhagen] is one of the best in the business.

“Title fight, you never know what’s going to happen.

“I think if UFC decide, Umar is ready.”

Nurmagomedov himself was not pleased with aspects of his performance, however.

“I’m not happy,” the fighter said in Abu Dhabi after his victory.

“It was a good performance in the striking, but if we’re talking about grappling and how I controlled him, it was not good.

“I thought I would maul him on the ground, but he’s tough, he was good.”

Shara Magomedov also shines in Abu Dhabi

The co-main event in Abu Dhabi saw another up-and-coming prospect in the UFC send a signal of intent on Saturday.

Fellow Dagestani Shara Magomedov fought Michal Oleksiejczuk and also won by unanimous decision in impressive fashion.

The Russian was innovative in his striking, constantly peppering his opponent with knees and elbows.

Oleksiejczuk was brave and persisted in coming forward despite wearing a lot of damage.

However, even when the Pole was able to execute takedowns, Magomedov managed to hurt him with elbows from his back.

After the victory, the 30-year-old called out Nick Diaz, much to the surprise of UFC fans.

Diaz has been inactive since 2021, when he lost to Robbie Lawler.

The American is a big drawcard though, and would represent a step forward in Magomedov’s title hopes.