Cory Sandhagen and Umar Nurmagomedov headline some of the stacked UFC Combat Nights you will see all yr. Saturday’s winner will probably problem Sean O’Malley or Merab Dvalishvili for the UFC bantamweight title down the road.
Sandhagen (17-4) has by no means shied from a tricky struggle. “The Sandman” has lengthy been pegged as a future UFC champion however key setbacks towards Aljamain Sterling and Petr Yan in a title eliminator and interim title struggle held him again. Wanting to lock down an undisputed title shot, Sandhagen took the sudden route of difficult a fighter properly behind him within the UFC’s official bantamweight rankings. Sandhagen (No. 2) known as out Nurmagomedov (No. 10), the division’s undefeated boogeyman.
“You have to be very sharp and exact going into fights like this,” Sandhagen instructed CBS Sports activities. “I believe it’s going to carry out one of the best efficiency in me. I believe I am higher than I’ve ever been. I’ve some years below me now. I’ve obtained the expertise edge. Whereas I believe it is going to be a tricky struggle, I will go dwelling with the win.
“This one prepares me equally properly to struggle O’Malley or Merab with Merab’s grappling and O’Malley’s lengthy putting fashion. Umar is a model of those two put collectively in a way. I am getting ready for the title struggle on the similar time that I am getting ready for a well-rounded, undefeated Nurmagomedov. That is thrilling as hell, man.”
Nurmagomedov (17-0) appears to be like to repeat the unmatched success of his cousin, undefeated former UFC light-weight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. The older brother of Bellator light-weight champion Usman Nurmagomedov, Umar may quickly add extra gold to the household trophy case. There’s a lengthy record of explanation why fighters reportedly flip down fights towards Umar. He’s a dominant grappler, averaging 4.5 takedowns per quarter-hour within the UFC and a 41% submission end price.
“He is a high man. He is a tricky man and a technical striker. I do not assume it should be a straightforward struggle, however it will not be too arduous…” Nurmagomedov instructed CBS Sports activities. “I believe I am one of many high guys but when I need to be primary, I must grow to be champion.”
Try the complete interview with Nurmagomedov beneath.
This occasion has one of many deepest undercards for a non-PPV in current reminiscence. It was harm by the lack of Nick Diaz vs. Vicente Luque, however there’s loads of names value following on Saturday. Former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo is ready to tackle a former title challenger in Marlon Vera at bantamweight. Former high welterweight Tony Ferguson appears to be like to keep away from a doubtful distinction when he takes on veteran Michael Chiesa. Ferguson may set the document for many consecutive losses in UFC historical past with a defeat. Plus, Mackenzie Dern appears to be like to get again on observe when she takes on Crazy Godinez.
Beneath is the remainder of the struggle card for Saturday with the newest odds earlier than we get to a prediction and choose on the principle occasion.
UFC Combat Evening card, odds
| Umar Nurmagomedov -330 | Cory Sandhagen +260 | Bantamweight |
| Shara Magomedov -238 | Michael Oleksiejczuk +195 | Middleweight |
| Deiveson Figueiredo -145 | Marlon Vera +122 | Bantamweight |
| Michael Chiesa -600 | Tony Ferguson +430 | Welterweight |
| Mackenzie Dern -115 | Crazy Godinez -105 | Ladies’s strawweight |
| Joel Alvarez -166 | Elves Brener +140 | Light-weight |
UFC Combat Evening viewing data
Date: Aug. 3 | Begin time: 3 p.m. ET (important card)
Location: Etihad Enviornment — Yas Island, United Arab Emirates
TV channel: ESPN+
Prediction
Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov: It is arduous to root towards Sandhagen however Nurmagomedov is a tall order for anybody. Sandhagen is an excellent, considerate striker, however his dynamic fashion can put him in harmful positions. In contrast, Nurmagomedov hardly ever makes errors. Sandhagen’s expertise might be essential. The American fighter has confronted a number of UFC champions and his final 5 fights have lasted between 20 and 25 minutes. Nurmagomedov has hardly confronted High 15 UFC fighters and by no means exceeded quarter-hour. I do not suspect stamina might be a difficulty for both fighter. Sandhagen is battle examined and Nurmagomedov’s camp is famend for its endurance and grueling coaching fashion. Sandhagen will make essential changes because the struggle unravels and train Nurmagomedov some invaluable classes; nevertheless, I anticipate Nurmagomedov’s dominant grappling and razor-sharp putting protection will earn him a aggressive resolution win. Nurmagomedov through Unanimous Resolution
Who wins UFC Combat Evening: Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov, and the way precisely does every struggle finish? Go to SportsLine now to get detailed picks on UFC Combat Evening, all from the MMA professional who profited greater than $1,500 on his UFC main-card picks in 2023, and discover out.