UFC Abu Dhabi went down final night time (Sat., Aug. 3, 2024) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, that includes a Bantamweight major occasion that noticed Umar Nurmagomedov defeat Cory Sandhagen through unanimous determination (relive it right here) to maintain his excellent document (18-0) intact. Within the co-main occasion, Shara Magomedov defeated Michał Oleksiejczuk on the judges scorecards to stay undefeated (14-0, 3-0 UFC), whereas Michael Chiesa choked out Tony Ferguson handy him his eighth straight loss (watch highlights).
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Winner: Umar Nurmagomedov
Who He Ought to Face Subsequent: O’Malley vs. Merab winner
Nurmagomedov (18-0, 6-0 UFC) will probably overtake the No. 2 spot beforehand held by Sandhagen, so a title shot will probably be subsequent. Sean O’Malley will defend his title in opposition to Merab Dvalishvili at Noche UFC 2 on Sept. 14, so Umar may have loads of time to arrange for the winner. This one is sensible given the panorama of the High 5 for the time being.
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Winner: Shara Magomedov
Who He Ought to Face Subsequent: Rodolfo Vieira
It wasn’t straightforward, however Magomedov remained undefeated (14-0, 3-0 UFC), defeating a really robust Michał Oleksiejczuk. After he defeated Antonio Trocoli, I recommended a struggle in opposition to Vieira, and it’s nonetheless one I feel ought to occur. Vieira is presently 5-2 total contained in the Octagon and would undoubtedly take a look at “Bullet’s” grappling abilities. Simply be careful for these fence grabs.
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Winner: Deiveson Figueiredo
Who He Ought to Face Subsequent: Petr Yan
After defeating Marlon Vera to safe his third straight win at 135 kilos, Figueiredo known as for a title struggle. It’s one thing he probably gained’t get subsequent if Umar will get his manner, so yet one more win must be obtained if “Daico” desires an opportunity to change into a two-division champion. And that’s the place Yan steps in. Contemporary off a win over Tune Yadong earlier this 12 months, “No Mercy” can be attempting to get again to a title struggle, so the winner of this bout may very nicely get subsequent.
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Winner: Michael Chiesa
Who He Ought to Face Subsequent: Nicolas Dalby
Chiesa snapped his three-fight dropping streak by handing Tony Ferguson consecutive loss No. 8. Now not ranked within the High 15, “Maverick” should now begin his hike again to the rankings, and a win over somebody like Dalby may assist him get the job achieved. Dalby is coming off a troublesome break up determination loss by the hands Rinat Fakhretdinov, snapping his four-fight win streak. A struggle in opposition to Colby Covington is merely out of the query, Chiesa.
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Winner: Mackenzie Dern
Who She Ought to Battle Subsequent: Amanda Ribas rematch
Dern acquired again into the win column by narrowly edging out Crazy Godinez, snapping her two-fight dropping streak within the course of. Now that she has some new-found confidence, Dern is out to start out a run … or not less than attempt to safe her first consecutive win streak since 2021. Presently ranked No. 7, Dern may very well be a showdown in opposition to Ribas yet one more time. The 2 initially threw down 5 years in the past, with Ribas handing Dern her first-ever defeat. So much has modified since then, and whereas Ribas (No. 8) is coming off a loss to Rose Namajunas, it’s a struggle I’m positive Dern (No. 7) wish to get again.
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Winner: Joel Alvarez
Who He Ought to Battle Subsequent: Nasrat Haqparast
Alvarez improved his document to 6-2 in his first eight fights with the promotion, successful two straight, after stopping Elves Brener within the third and last spherical. The surging Light-weight may very well be eying a rating spot quickly, however he may want yet one more win (or two) to get there. I like a struggle in opposition to Haqparast subsequent as a result of like Alvarez, he’s on a roll. Certainly, the Moroccan has gained 4 straight and was final seen defeating Jared Gooden simply final month.
For full UFC Abu Dhabi outcomes, protection and highlights, click on HERE.