This weekend’s UFC occasion in Abu Dhabi is headlined by a bantamweight battle between second-ranked Cory Sandhagen and undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov. The match is actually a No. 1 contender bout with the winner doubtless incomes a title shot.
Sandhagen (17-4) will enter the battle using a three-fight successful 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 select up the largest win of his profession.
Former middleweight champion Michael Bisping expects the match to be a ‘powerful battle’ 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 battle 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 realize the title. You realize the model. He comes from Dagestan, an incredible wrestler however he is bought nice kickboxing as effectively. 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 consider that is going to be a extremely powerful check for Umar Nurmagomedov.”
Bisping believes Nurmagomedov will use his wrestling in opposition to Sandhagen and a key to the battle might be whether or not “Younger Eagle” can take “The Sandman” down.
“The massive query with this battle is can Umar Nurmagomedov takedown Cory Sandhagen search for floor and pound, search for a submission, in fact. However the wrestling goes to be key to successful the battle,” 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 consider Umar Nurmagomedov, regardless that it is a step up in competitors, I’ve bought Umar Nurmagomedov by determination,” continued Bisping. “Though, I am not overly assured on that choose.”
