MMA Preview – Cory Sandhagen vs Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC on ABC 7
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CORY SANDHAGEN VS UMAR NURMAGOMEDOV FACTS
When is UFC on ABC 7? Saturday 3rd August, 2024 - 18:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC on ABC 7? Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi (UAE)
Where can I get tickets for UFC on ABC 7? Click here to buy tickets for UFC on ABC 7
What channel is UFC on ABC 7 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC on ABC 7? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
CORY SANDHAGEN VS UMAR NURMAGOMEDOV LOWDOWN
Cory Sandhagen (17-4) was one fight away from a title shot back in 2021. He ended up losing a split decision to the former champ TJ Dillashaw and then went on to lose an interim title fight against Petr Yan who outclassed him in a unanimous decision. However, he is back on the march after a TKO over Yadong Song (2022) and dominant decisions over Marlon Vera (2023) and Rob Font (2023).
Umar Nurmagomedov (17-0) headlines his first UFC card and will do so in front of his adoring fans in Abu Dhabi. He has cruised his first four UFC fights submitting Sergey Morozov (2021) and Brian Kelleher (2022) before outpointing Nate Maness (2022). He then folded Raoni Barcelos (2023) and is coming off a hard-fought unanimous decision over Bekzat Almakhan (2024)
CORY SANDHAGEN VS UMAR NURMAGOMEDOV PREDICTION
This is a giant step-up in competition for Nurmagomedov and come Saturday night, we should learn everything we need to know about his title aspirations. He is a brilliant striker, but Sandhagen operates on a different level on the feet and the obvious route to victory is his through his wrestling.
If Nurmagomedov has the ego to strike, he can make this competitive, but over five rounds, Sandhagen will download the data he needs to conduct the range and set traps. However, Nurmagomedov will not make that data available by firing kicks and timing his level-changes to get Sandhagen to the canvas.
Sandhagen will threaten off his back and is the better striker, but his knockout power and takedown defence is not enough to stifle Nurmagomedov and swing this in his favour. We expect his wrestling to close out the rounds and convince the judges.
Prediction: Nurmagomedov via Decision
Value Bet: Sandhagen to win
