Umar Nurmagomedov secured a significant victory over Cory Sandhagen at UFC Abu Dhabi, marking a pivotal moment in his career. However, he remains critical of his performance, acknowledging room for improvement.
Despite dominating the fight and winning on all scorecards, Nurmagomedov expressed disappointment in his wrestling and grappling performance. He highlighted his struggles with executing takedowns against Sandhagen, emphasizing the need for better control on the ground.
Reflecting on the fight, Nurmagomedov admitted, “I’m not happy. It was a good striking performance, but my grappling and control were not up to par. I expected to dominate on the ground, but Cory proved to be a tough opponent with solid defense and striking skills.”
Despite his self-criticism, Nurmagomedov acknowledged Sandhagen’s experience and resilience in the octagon. He credited his opponent for putting up a tough fight and recognized the need for continued growth in his own skill set.
While grappling may not have been his strongest suit in this fight, Nurmagomedov’s ability to keep Sandhagen guessing and maintain pressure throughout all five rounds showcased his tactical prowess and endurance.
The back-and-forth nature of the bantamweight bout highlighted Nurmagomedov’s adaptability and strategic approach, particularly in the final two rounds where he asserted his dominance.
Notably, Nurmagomedov credited his cousin and coach, Khabib Nurmagomedov, for providing crucial advice between rounds, urging him to stay strong and seize the victory.
Following Khabib’s guidance, Nurmagomedov capitalized on his conditioning and pushed the pace against Sandhagen, ultimately securing the win in his first UFC main event.
While he may have faced challenges in the fight, Nurmagomedov’s resilience and stamina were key assets in overcoming his opponent and solidifying his position as a top contender in the bantamweight division.
Looking ahead, Nurmagomedov eyes a potential title shot against the winner of the upcoming UFC 306 main event between Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili, emphasizing his readiness to face either opponent.
Despite the possibility of serving as a backup for the title fight, Nurmagomedov remains cautious about a quick turnaround given the physical toll of his recent bout. He anticipates a calculated approach to his next move in the division.
Regardless of the outcome, Nurmagomedov’s determination and willingness to face top competition underscore his commitment to reaching the pinnacle of the bantamweight division.
As he navigates his future in the UFC, Nurmagomedov remains focused on his health and readiness for potential opportunities, staying primed for any challenges that may come his way.
In the world of competitive MMA, Umar Nurmagomedov stands poised to make his mark and ascend to new heights in pursuit of championship glory.