UFC Abu Dhabi results: Matches to make for ‘Sandhagen vs. Umar’ main card winners

Mondiad.com

UFC Abu Dhabi went down yesterday (Sat., Aug. 3, 2024) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, featuring a Bantamweight main event that saw Umar Nurmagomedov defeat Cory Sandhagen via unanimous decision (relive it here) to improve his record to 18-0, 6-0 UFC. In the co-main event, Shara Magomedov defeated Michał Oleksiejczuk on the judges scorecards to remain undefeated (14-0, 3-0 UFC), while Michael Chiesa choked out Tony Ferguson to hand him his eighth straight loss.

UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen v Nurmagomedov

Winner: Umar Nurmagomedov

Who He Should Face Next: O’Malley vs. Merab winner

Nurmagomedov (18-0, 6-0 UFC) will likely overtake the No. 2 spot previously held by Cory Sandhagen so a title shot will likely be next. Sean O’Malley will defend his title against Merab Dvalishvili at “Noche UFC” on Sept. 14, so Umar will have plenty of time to prepare for the winner. This one makes sense given the landscape of the Top 5 at the moment.

Winner: Shara Magomedov

Who He Should Face Next: Rodolfo Vieira

It wasn’t easy, but Magomedov remained undefeated (14-0, 3-0 UFC) by defeating a very tough Michał Oleksiejczuk. After he defeated Antonio Trocoli, I suggested a fight against Vieira, and it’s still one I think should happen. Vieira is currently 5-2 overall inside the Octagon and would definitely test “Bullet’s” grappling skills. Just watch out for those fence grabs.

Winner: Deiveson Figueiredo

Who He Should Face Next: Petr Yan

After defeating Marlon Vera to secure his third straight win at 135 pounds, Figueiredo called for a title fight. It’s something he likely won’t get next if Umar gets his way, so one more win has to be obtained if “Daico” wants a chance to become a two-division champion. And that is where Yan steps in. Fresh off a win over Song Yadong earlier this year, “No Mercy” is also trying to get back to a title fight, so the winner of this bout could very well get next.

Winner: Michael Chiesa

Who He Should Face Next: Nicolas Dalby

Chiesa snapped his three-fight losing streak by handing Tony Ferguson consecutive loss number eight. No longer ranked in the Top 15, “Maverick” must now start his hike back to the rankings, and a win over someone like Dalby might help him get the job done. Dalby is coming off a tough split-decision loss at the hands Rinat Fakhretdinov, snapping his four-fight win streak. A fight against Colby Covington is simply out of the question, Chiesa.

Winner: Mackenzie Dern

Who She Should Fight Next: Amanda Ribas rematch

Dern got back into the win column by narrowly edging out Loopy Godinez, snapping her two-fight losing streak in the process. Now that she has some newfound confidence, Dern is out to start a run, or at least try to secure her first consecutive win streak since 2021. Currently ranked No. 7, Dern could be looking at a showdown against Ribas one more time. The two initially threw down five years ago, with Ribas handing Dern her first-ever defeat. A lot has changed since then, and while Ribas (No. 8) is coming off a loss to Rose Namajunas, it’s a fight I’m sure Dern (No. 7) would like to get back.

Winner: Joel Alvarez

Who He Should Fight Next: Nasrat Haqparast

Alvarez improved his record to 6-2 in his first eight fights with the promotion, winning two straight, after stopping Elves Brener in the third and final round. The surging Lightweight could be eying a ranking spot soon, but he might need one more win (or two) to get there. I like a fight against Haqparast next because like Alvarez, he is on a roll. Indeed, the Moroccan has won four straight and was last seen defeating Jared Gooden just last month.

For complete UFC Abu Dhabi results, coverage, and highlights, click HERE.

Mondiad.com