One of the UFC’s favourite locations in recent years Abu Dhabi will host this weekend’s stacked fight card.
The UAE has played host to some huge events throughout their partnership with MMA’s top organisation. This weekend is headlined by a bantamweight title eliminator between the unbeaten prospect Umar Nurmagomedov and top contender Cory Sandhagen. The card is stacked with plenty of Russian and UAE talent throughout with undefeated records being put to the test. Nurmagomedov has struggled to find matchups in the top 15 at bantamweight with his 17-0 record which has led to a huge jump in competition this Saturday. The always entertaining Sandhagen is on the cusp of a title shot and a win over this hungry prospect will secure that.
In the co-main event middleweights step up on late notice in a whirlwind of a matchup. Unbeaten striking maestro Shara Magomedov has impressed in both his UFC bouts so far and he will face Polish veteran Michał Oleksiejczuk in the Eithad Arena this weekend, the venue where he made his debut. With a statement victory Magomedov could break into the rankings at 185lbs but he is edging ever closer with each win. Violence personified on the main card with another bantamweight barn burner between Marlon Vera and Deiveson Figueiredo. The former flyweight champion Figueiredo is a vicious finisher and has looked sublime at 135lbs since his move up in weight. Vera will be his toughest bantamweight test to date and he will be coming with bad intentions after his title fight defeat at UFC 299.
Ones to watch
Fan favourite Tony Ferguson makes his return hoping to end a 7 fight losing streak against Michael Chiesa who is also in a poor run of form. Other matchups to keep an eye on the card include two lightweight matchups, the first Joel Alvarez takes on Elves Brener opening up the main card. Alvarez is one of Spain’s most talented fighters but has suffered with inactivity this weekend is the chance to make a statement and a surge towards the lightweight rankings. Brener will be determined to get back to winning ways after his first UFC defeat at UFC 301. The Brazilian is tough and has looked great in all four UFC bouts and will be a stern test for Alvarez.
Deep in the prelims lies an electrifying matchup with UFC debutant Jordan Vucenic facing off with Guram Kutateldze. Vucenic has lit up the Cage Warriors roster coming into this weekend with four consecutive submission victories. Kutateladze like Alvarez has suffered with inactivity and will look to get his rocky UFC start back on the road in Abu Dhabi this Saturday. With his sole UFC victory coming against the currently ranked number five Mateusz Gamrot it is clear he can compete at the top of the sport.
Catch all the results and highlights from UFC Abu Dhabi below
UFC Abu Dhabi
Main Card
Bantamweight – Cory Sandhagen vs Umar Nurmagomedov
Result: Umr Nurmagomedov defeats Cory Sandhagen via Unanimous Decision (50-45, 49-46, 49-46)
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Middleweight – Shara Magomedov vs Michał Oleksiejczuk
Result: Shara Magomedov defeats Michał Oleksiejczuk via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
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Bantamweight – Marlon Vera vs Deiveson Figueiredo
Result: Deiveson Figueiredo defeats Marlon Vera via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
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Welterweight – Tony Ferguson vs Michael Chiesa
Result: Michael Chiesa defeats Tony Ferguson via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 3:44 in Round 1
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Women’s Strawweight – Mackenzie Dern vs Loopy Godinez
Result: Mackenzie Dern defeats Loopy Godinez via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
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Lightweight – Joel Alvarez vs Elves Brener
Result: Joel Alvarez defeats Elves Brener via TKO at 3:36 in Round 3
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Prelims
Light Heavyweight – Alonzo Menifield vs Azamat Murzakanov
Result: Azamat Murzakanov defeats Alonzo Menifield via KO at 3:18 in Round 2
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Lightweight – Mohammed Yahya vs Kauê Fernandes
Result: Kauê Fernandes defeats Mohammed Yahya via TKO at 4:45 in Round 1
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Heavyweight – Shamil Gaziev vs Don’Tale Mayes
Result: Shamil Gaziev defeats Don’Tale Mayes via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
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Lightweight – Guram Kutateladze vs Jordan Vucenic
Result: Guram Kutateladze defeats Jordan Vucenic via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
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Women’s Strawweight – Victoriia Dudakova vs Sam Hughes
Result: Sam Hughes defeats Victoriia Dudakova via Split Decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28)
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Lightweight – Jai Herbert vs Rolando Bedoya
Result: Jai Herbert defeats Rolando Bedoya via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
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Middleweight – Sedriques Dumas vs Denis Tiuliulin
Result: Sedriques Dumas defeats Denis Tiuliulin via Unanimous Decision (29-28. 29-28, 30-27)
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