Undefeated UFC bantamweight contender Umar Nurmagomedov is seemingly on the cusp of a title shot but first, he must get past Cory Sandhagen this coming Saturday in the UFC Abu Dhabi main event.
Last time out, Umar Nurmagomedov took on UFC newcomer Bekzat Almakhan where he faced early adversity after being knocked down by the Kazakh in round one. He went on to dominate the remainder of the fight, picking up the unanimous decision win.
The undefeated Russian will now take on his toughest test to date by far when he competes in his first five-round main event against Cory Sandhagen this Saturday.
Umar Nurmagomedov slams ‘clown’ Sean O’Malley in fierce rant
With a win over ‘Sandman’ Sandhagen, Nurmagomedov will surely earn himself a title shot against the winner of the UFC 306 main event, Sean O’Malley vs Merab Dvalishvili.
Although the undefeated 28-year-old is likely hoping that O’Malley is still the champion by the time he comes to fight for the belt, he doesn’t have many positive words to say about ‘Suga’.
“I’m ashamed that Sean O’Malley is the champion. I think it’s a shame because men have to be different, it’s not just about you make some funny stuff, you have to be a good example for younger generation and you have to do something like men not like clown,” Nurmagomedov told Daniel Cormier in an interview.
Nurmagomedov believes that on his way to the top of the 135lb division, the UFC gave O’Malley favorable matchups with fighters they knew wouldn’t try and grapple him, to maintain his star power.
“We know how the UFC cares about him, how they gave him good (matchups) who didn’t grapple who didn’t have good wrestling, I don’t think he’s a great champion. I don’t know what happened, I don’t know how (Aljamain Sterling lost against him), it’s a big mystical win for me, how, how did it happen?” the Russian questioned.
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Umar Nurmagomedov is ready for Cory Sandhagen’s awkwardness
Throughout his last few fights, Cory Sandhagen has shown an entirely different side to his game, dominating both Rob Font and Marlon Vera by using his offensive wrestling.
Usually, the 32-year-old is more well known for his sensational striking and awkward movement, but no matter which ‘Sandman’ turns up, Nurmagomedov believes he has the keys to victory regardless.
“I’m not underestimating this guy, I know he’s a tough fighter, I know he has good striking, good kicks, and very good movement, (but) I think I will find keys for victory and I think I can beat him anywhere (the fight goes).
“I was surprised (with his last performance), he’s a good striker but he took down Rob Font all five rounds and controlled him every single round he took him down,” Nurmagomedov added.
Although Nurmagomedov is ranked tenth in the 135lb division, Sandhagen is ranked number two, and whoever wins this huge main event will be next in line to fight for the prestigious title.
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