(UFC) is back at it again with a special “Fight Night”-themed event as UFC Abu Dhabi is set to go down later TODAY (Sat., Aug. 3, 2024) inside Etihad Arena — a.k.a. “Fight Island” — in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Headlining the ESPN+-streamed event (simulcast on ABC in the United States) is a Bantamweight fight between Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov. In the co-main event, Shara Magomedov will battle Michal Oleksiejczuk in a Middleweight affair.
The Nurmagomedov clan is still putting in massive work in the mixed martial arts (MMA) scene — including this honorary member — and Umar is the next man up to get some shine. He is currently undefeated (17-0), including being perfect (5-0) inside the Octagon with three finishes. His big advantage — as is customary with Khabib-trained fighters — is his suffocating grappling. Currently ranked No. 10 in the division, he looks to take a huge leap in the rankings by taking out the the No. 2-seeded fighter in Sandhagen.
UFC ABU DHABI CHEAT SHEET
What UFC event is on tonight? UFC Abu Dhabi: “Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov Live Stream”
Who is fighting tonight at UFC Abu Dhabi? Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov Bantamweight fight is the five-round main event.
What time does UFC Abu Dhabi? TODAY (Sat., Aug. 3, 2024), beginning at 12 p.m. ET on ESPN2/ESPN+.
Where will UFC Abu Dhabi take place? Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
How can I watch UFC Abu Dhabi? ESPN2/ESPN+ “Prelims” card matchups are scheduled to begin at 12 p.m. ET, followed by the remaining main card balance on ABC/ESPN+ at 3 p.m. ET.
Speaking of which, “The Sandman” currently finds himself on a three-fight win streak, a nice turnaround after suffering back to back losses to T.J. Dillashaw and Petr Yan, which was for the interim 135-pound strap. Known as the most unassuming fighter in the game, Sandhagen has shown to be as dangerous as anyone with his all-around skill-set, which has helped him collect several highlight reel knockouts (like this one), so keeping it on the feet will be his best course to victory. Once it gets to the ground, Nurmagomedov gets in full control and doesn’t let up. It’s not to say that Sandhagen is a novice — he has three submissions — but Umar, like the rest of his team, are very heavy once on top and they are hard to get out from under. It’s a great stylistic matchup, and the winner here makes a huge leap toward the title.
Tony Ferguson has lost his last seven fights, while Michael Chiesa is on a three-fight losing streak. Still, UFC matchmakers felt a spot on the main card was fitting for the struggling veterans. For my money, I would have them headlining the undercard, instead. But, apparently it’s about “name value” as opposed to, “what have you done for me lately?”
Nevertheless, this could very well be the last fight for “El Cucuy” — or not — so perhaps it’s a decent way of sending him out of the promotion (assuming he loses). Chiesa, though, hasn’t had a win in three years, and if he loses his fourth straight he could also decide he prefers his analyst job full-time and hang up the gloves for good. Chiesa is the favorite here because, let’s face it, Ferguson has looked like a shell of his former self for some time now and should've have retired long ago.
Click to Watch UFC Abu Dhabi Live
Click to Watch UFC Abu Dhabi Live
Click to Watch UFC Abu Dhabi Live
Click to Watch UFC Abu Dhabi Live
(UFC) is back at it again with a special “Fight Night”-themed event as UFC Abu Dhabi is set to go down later TODAY (Sat., Aug. 3, 2024) inside Etihad Arena — a.k.a. “Fight Island” — in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Headlining the ESPN+-streamed event (simulcast on ABC in the United States) is a Bantamweight fight between Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov. In the co-main event, Shara Magomedov will battle Michal Oleksiejczuk in a Middleweight affair.
The Nurmagomedov clan is still putting in massive work in the mixed martial arts (MMA) scene — including this honorary member — and Umar is the next man up to get some shine. He is currently undefeated (17-0), including being perfect (5-0) inside the Octagon with three finishes. His big advantage — as is customary with Khabib-trained fighters — is his suffocating grappling. Currently ranked No. 10 in the division, he looks to take a huge leap in the rankings by taking out the the No. 2-seeded fighter in Sandhagen.
UFC ABU DHABI CHEAT SHEET
What UFC event is on tonight? UFC Abu Dhabi: “Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov Live Stream”
Who is fighting tonight at UFC Abu Dhabi? Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov Bantamweight fight is the five-round main event.
What time does UFC Abu Dhabi? TODAY (Sat., Aug. 3, 2024), beginning at 12 p.m. ET on ESPN2/ESPN+.
Where will UFC Abu Dhabi take place? Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
How can I watch UFC Abu Dhabi? ESPN2/ESPN+ “Prelims” card matchups are scheduled to begin at 12 p.m. ET, followed by the remaining main card balance on ABC/ESPN+ at 3 p.m. ET.
Speaking of which, “The Sandman” currently finds himself on a three-fight win streak, a nice turnaround after suffering back to back losses to T.J. Dillashaw and Petr Yan, which was for the interim 135-pound strap. Known as the most unassuming fighter in the game, Sandhagen has shown to be as dangerous as anyone with his all-around skill-set, which has helped him collect several highlight reel knockouts (like this one), so keeping it on the feet will be his best course to victory. Once it gets to the ground, Nurmagomedov gets in full control and doesn’t let up. It’s not to say that Sandhagen is a novice — he has three submissions — but Umar, like the rest of his team, are very heavy once on top and they are hard to get out from under. It’s a great stylistic matchup, and the winner here makes a huge leap toward the title.
Tony Ferguson has lost his last seven fights, while Michael Chiesa is on a three-fight losing streak. Still, UFC matchmakers felt a spot on the main card was fitting for the struggling veterans. For my money, I would have them headlining the undercard, instead. But, apparently it’s about “name value” as opposed to, “what have you done for me lately?”
Nevertheless, this could very well be the last fight for “El Cucuy” — or not — so perhaps it’s a decent way of sending him out of the promotion (assuming he loses). Chiesa, though, hasn’t had a win in three years, and if he loses his fourth straight he could also decide he prefers his analyst job full-time and hang up the gloves for good. Chiesa is the favorite here because, let’s face it, Ferguson has looked like a shell of his former self for some time now and should've have retired long ago.