Umar Nurmagomedov is currently scheduled to participate in the fifth fight of his UFC career. The undefeated fighter will take on Cory Sandhagen in the main event of the upcoming UFC Abu Dhabi. The winner of the fight could potentially challenge Sean O’Malley for the UFC bantamweight championship.
However, going into the fight, many detractors question Umar Nurmagomedov’s credentials for this opportunity. Cory Sandhagen currently ranks #2 in the bantamweight division and is in a comfortable position to fight for the title. While addressing the criticism, during a recent interview with Mike Bohn, Nurmagomedov gave the example of O’Malley fighting Petr Yan.
Sean O’Malley fighting with Petr Yan, no one complained. No one said why number 10 fighting with number 1. But when they give me good opportunity everyone beginning cry, I don’t know why.
Umar Nurmagomedov via MMA Junkie YouTube channel
When Sean O’Malley fought Petr Yan for the bantamweight title, he was ranked #11. However, the hype behind ‘Suga’ was on another level. O’Malley was also skilled in promoting himself and proved his critics wrong with his every move. Being the cousin of Khabib Nurmagomedov, Umar does have some recognition. However, O’Malley’s coach, Tim Welch, feels it’s undeserving.
On the other hand, Cory Sandhagen wants the title shot and is promised by Dana White that he will get it if he beats Umar Nurmagomedov. ‘Sandman’ believes the Dagestani has a cardio issue which he would like to capitalize on this weekend. However, it is safe to say that Nurmagomedov will have a cheat code with him this weekend.
Umar Nurmagomedov confirms Khabib Nurmagomedov will be at his corner at UFC Abu Dhabi
Similarly to Cory Sandhagen, Umar Nurmagomedov has claimed a win could potentially land him a title shot. Due to this, he has been training under Khabib Nurmagomedov. The ‘Eagle’ recently helped Belal Muhammad in his win against Leon Edwards. However, for his cousin, he will be available on the octagon side.
Khabib Nurmagomedov will corner Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC Abu Dhabi (via Imago)
In the interview with Mike Bohn, Umar Nurmagomedov confirmed that Khabib Nurmagomedov would corner him along with Javier Mendez. It seems like after taking a gap, the legendary lightweight is actively back as a coach. He was also present at Islam Makhachev‘s recent fight with Dustin Poirier at UFC 302.
Team Khabib has been very successful in spreading their dominance over the years. After Nurmagomedov’s retirement, Islam Makhachev became the top Dagestani fighter. Now, they are planning to put Usman Nurmagomedov as the successor of Makhachev. Even Umar Nurmagomedov has immense championship potential. As such, it won’t surprise anyone if he wins the bantamweight title in the upcoming years.
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