In the main event of UFC Abu Dhabi, Umar Nurmagomedov emerged victorious against Cory Sandhagen by unanimous decision. His undefeated record of 18-0, with a 7-0 mark in the UFC, positions him as a top contender in the bantamweight division. Nurmagomedov’s ability to go the full five rounds against an elite opponent like Sandhagen proves his readiness for a title shot.
Nurmagomedov’s next opponent should ideally be the winner of the upcoming fight between Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili. This would solidify his position as the rightful No. 1 contender and set the stage for an exciting title match in the bantamweight division.
On the other hand, Cory Sandhagen, despite his tough loss, still has potential matchups that could propel him back into title contention. An interesting choice for his next opponent could be Henry Cejudo, a former champion in the division. A win against a high-profile fighter like Cejudo could elevate Sandhagen’s status and pave the way for a title shot.
Kelvin Gastelum
After Shara Magomedov’s victory over Michal Oleksiejczuk, the callout for Nick Diaz seemed misplaced. A more suitable opponent for Magomedov could be Kelvin Gastelum, who brings name recognition and a challenging stylistic matchup to the table. This fight could help Magomedov establish himself as a rising star in the division.
Moving to the women’s division, Mackenzie Dern’s rematch with Yan Xiaonan presents an intriguing matchup. Their previous encounter was closely contested, with Yan securing a majority decision victory. A rematch between these two fighters could determine the next contender for the title in the 115-pound division.
Another wildcard option for Mackenzie Dern could be Jessica Andrade, who is an experienced fighter known for her versatility across weight classes. A potential rematch with Andrade, who previously defeated Dern via knockout, could be a stepping stone for Dern towards a title shot. Depending on Andrade’s performance in her upcoming fight, this matchup could offer Dern a chance at redemption.
Overall, the results of UFC Abu Dhabi have set the stage for compelling matchups and potential title shots for rising stars in the MMA world. As these fighters continue to showcase their skills and determination, fans can look forward to thrilling bouts and exciting developments in the coming months.
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