Cory Sandhagen predicts tough battle against Umar Nurmagomedov: ‘It’s going to be a challenging fight’

Cory Sandhagen is gearing up for a tough battle on August 3rd as he prepares to face Umar Nurmagomedov in a five-round bantamweight headliner at UFC Abu Dhabi. In a recent interview on The MMA Hour, Sandhagen expressed his awareness of the challenge ahead, calling it a “pain in the ass of a fight.”

The 32-year-old fighter was originally set to face Nurmagomedov in August 2023, but a shoulder injury forced Nurmagomedov to withdraw from the event. Sandhagen went on to defeat late-replacement Rob Font but suffered a tricep injury that kept him sidelined until recently.

Nurmagomedov, a rising star in the bantamweight division with a perfect 5-0 record in the UFC, is known for his dominant grappling skills. Sandhagen, however, is confident in his own abilities, especially after training with Ryan Hall and focusing on adding power to his strikes and submissions during his time off.

With UFC officials hinting that a title shot may be on the line for the winner of the Sandhagen-Nurmagomedov bout, the stakes are high for both fighters. Sandhagen is determined to make the most of the second half of his UFC career and showcase his unique fighting style to the world.

As the fight draws near, Sandhagen’s motivation and drive are at an all-time high. He is focused on becoming an “unbelievable” fighter and is ready to prove himself in the octagon on August 3rd. Fans can expect an intense and exciting matchup between two skilled competitors vying for a shot at UFC gold.