Fight fans have quite a mixed reaction to this year’s main event bout at UFC Abu Dhabi. The promotion just announced that Cory Sandhagen and Umar Nurmagomedov are finally set for a five-round clash at UFC Abu Dhabi. UFC’s decision to book Sandhagen against a lower-ranked opponent became polarising.
The much-anticipated bantamweight bout was initially scheduled for 2023, but Nurmagomedov’s shoulder injury caused it to be postponed. In the aftermath, Cody Sandhagen defeated Rob Font by unanimous decision. Now, when the UFC visits Abu Dhabi in August, Nurmagomedov will finally get what he wants.
Sandhagen is currently on a three-fight win streak and has maintained his position at the top of the 135-pound division. The fighter is expected to have some sort of title-eliminator implication. Moreover, Umar and Sandhagen remain on the champion’s radar. Apart from his triumph over Font in August of last year, Sandhagen’s current winning run also includes triumphs over Song Yadong and Marlon Vera.
On the other hand, Umar Nurmagomedov is one of the biggest prospects in the entire UFC. The 28-year-old Russian entered the organization with a lot of fan following because he is the cousin of former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. Since his debut, the fighter has lived up to the hype and currently has a perfect 5-0 record in the UFC octagon.
Fight fans react to Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC Abu Dhabi
Cory Sandhagen is one of the most popular fighters in the bantamweight division. The fighter had previously fought for the interim bantamweight belt but failed to get a hold of it.
Fans mixed reactions to Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov (via UFC/MMA Fighting)
On the other hand, Umar Nurmagomedov has now got the opportunity to fight a big name in the division. While fans are excited about the clash, many are unhappy with the matchmaking.
Finally a ranked opponent so we can see where his level is actually at 🙏
— Elon Rakhmonov 🇦🇺 (@ElonRakhmonov) May 6, 2024
This man has never beaten a ranked opponent and he’s getting #2
— Isaac 🦸🏽 (@urretardedkid) May 6, 2024
easy win for Khabib brother / cousin
— Schwarzenegger Chauke (@eliotchauke1) May 6, 2024
Cake walk for Sandhagen tbh
— The OddDoggs (@TheOddDoggs) May 6, 2024
Bozo hasn’t fought a ranked opponent and he gets number 2🤦
— J (@James231721457) May 6, 2024
No idea why Cory is taking this fight unless they guarantee him a title shot with a win.
— Kyle (@KyThom31) May 6, 2024
If you guys think Umar is trash then you should have no problem with him fighting a hard fight like Cory 🤷♂️
— hussan (@hussan95452943) May 6, 2024
Many fans have called out the UFC for giving Umar Nurmagomedov an unfair chance against Sandhagen. On the other hand, few are intrigued to see all that hype around Nurmagomedov and how he performs against a ranked rival like Sandhagen.
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