This weekend’s UFC occasion in Abu Dhabi is headlined by a bantamweight combat between second-ranked Cory Sandhagen and undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov. The match is actually a No. 1 contender bout with the winner possible incomes a title shot.
Sandhagen (17-4) will enter the combat using a three-fight profitable streak. Nurmagomedov (17-0) hasn’t tasted defeat and has completed three of his 5 UFC opponents. Ranked tenth within the division, Nurmagomedov has the chance to choose up the most important win of his profession.
Former middleweight champion Michael Bisping expects the match to be a ‘robust combat’ and gave his prediction for the end result on his YouTube channel.
“That is going to be a No. 1 contender matchup. Whoever wins this combat between Cory and Umar, you gotta assume they get the winner of Sean O’Malley versus Merab Dvalishvili for the bantamweight title,” Bisping mentioned. “Nurmagomedov, that is proper. You understand the identify. You understand the type. He comes from Dagestan, an incredible wrestler however he is obtained nice kickboxing as nicely. His kickboxing is phenomenal however I do not assume he’ll be utilizing it in opposition to Cory Sandhagen.
“Cory is tall. He is lengthy. He is fast. He is versatile. He is well-rounded. He is a scholar of the sport,” Bisping continued. “I imagine that is going to be a very robust take a look at for Umar Nurmagomedov.”
Bisping believes Nurmagomedov will use his wrestling in opposition to Sandhagen and a key to the combat shall be whether or not “Younger Eagle” can take “The Sandman” down.
“The large query with this combat is can Umar Nurmagomedov takedown Cory Sandhagen search for floor and pound, search for a submission, after all. However the wrestling goes to be key to profitable the combat,” Bisping mentioned. “Cory is the longer man. He’s very versatile and he is a devastating striker.”
“Cory Sandhagen is an actual menace, however I imagine Umar Nurmagomedov, despite the fact that this can be a step up in competitors, I’ve obtained Umar Nurmagomedov by choice,” continued Bisping. “Though, I am not overly assured on that choose.”
