UFC Abu Dhabi’s Umar Nurmagomedov says he’s been promised title shot with win over Cory Sandhagen

Umar Nurmagomedov will get an opportunity to show how legit of a contender he’s in opposition to Cory Sandhagen at UFC Abu Dhabi this weekend (Sat., Aug. 3, 2024).

The Bantamweight division has all the time been aggressive and thrilling. That hasn’t modified as we enter the second half of 2024 and contendership will likely be determined forward of the upcoming title struggle at Noche UFC on Sept. 14, 2024.

For Nurmagomedov, the No. 2-ranked Sandhagen will likely be his first-ranked opponent. Ought to he win, Nurmagomedov says he’s been promised a title alternative in opposition to the winner of the champion, Sean O’Malley, vs. high contender, Merab Dvalishvili.

“I hope I’ll struggle subsequent, they mentioned I’ll struggle whoever will win [between O’Malley and Dvalishvili],” Nurmagomedov informed MMA Junkie. “Sure, [they told me I will be next].”

Nurmagomedov, 28, has been flawless in his 17-fight profession. The Sandhagen match up isn’t the primary time the pair ready to collide as they weren’t supposed to take action in Nashville, Tennessee final 12 months (Aug. 5, 2023). Sadly, Nurmagomedov was injured out of the bout and changed by Rob Font, who Sandhagen defeated by way of a unanimous determination.

Concerning the subsequent title struggle, Nurmagomedov isn’t positive who will get the job executed, however he doesn’t assume both O’Malley or Dvalishvili desires to struggle him.

“I feel they pray [they don’t fight me],” Nurmagomedov mentioned. “They hope I’ll pull out and won’t take this chance to struggle for the title. They want this. For me, it doesn’t matter who wins. It’s a really laborious struggle for each. One is a wrestling, one is a striker weight peak. He’s tall. Stylistically, for me, personally, it’s very tough to say who’s going to win. I don’t know.”