Will there be a huge shift in the UFC bantamweight division when Cory Sandhagen faces Umar Nurmagomedov in Abu Dhabi?
Sandhagen competes for the first time in a year after tearing his right triceps against Rob Font. He was supposed to fight Umar, but a shoulder injury forced Umar out of the contest. "The Sandman" is on a three-fight win streak with seven wins via knockout.
A Combat Sambo gold medalist, Umar is 17-0 with seven wins via submission. He looks to go 2-0 in 2024 and 6-0 in the octagon.
Sandhagen is ranked second in the UFC's bantamweight rankings, while Umar is ranked tenth. A win could propel Umar straight to the top. With cousin and Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov in his corner, Umar looks for what could be a game-changing win.
MORE: Ranked: The 25 best MMA fighters under the age of 25
The card also features several veterans and potential contenders.
Former interim UFC lightweight champion Tony Ferguson looks to end a seven-fight win streak against Michael Chiesa, who is on a three-fight losing streak. Meanwhile, Former UFC bantamweight title contender Marlon Vera faces former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo, while multi-time gold medalist grappler Mackenzie Dern faces Loopy Godinez.
Below is all the information you need to catch UFC Abu Dhabi.
UFC Abu Dhabi start time
- Date: Saturday, August 3
- Start time: 8 p.m. (5 p.m. prelims)
- Location: Etihad Arena (Abu Dhabi)
The prelims for UFC Abu Dhabi begin at 5 p.m. BST. The main card starts at 8 p.m. BST. Sandhagen and Nurmagomedov should make their way to the octagon around 11:30 p.m., depending on how long the undercard fights last.
How to watch UFC Abu Dhabi
- TNT Sports (£3.99/month or £39.99/year via discovery+)
The UFC Abu Dhabi fight card will be available on TNT Sports.
UFC Abu Dhabi fight card, odds
Main Card
- Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov; Bantamweights
- Vicente Luque vs. Nick Diaz; Welterweights
- Marlon Vera vs. Deiveson Figueiredo; Bantamweights
- Tony Ferguson vs. Michael Chiesa; Welterweights
- Mackenzie Dern vs. Loopy Godinez; Strawweights
- Joel Alvarez vs. Elves Brenner; Lightweights
Prelims
- Alonzo Menifield vs. Azamat Murzakanov; Light Heavyweights
- Mohammad Yahya vs. Kaue Fernandes; Lightweights
- Shamil Gaziev vs. Don'Tale Mayes; Heavyweights
- Guram Kutateladze vs. Jordan Vucenic; Lightweights
- Victoria Dudakova vs. Sam Hughes; Strawweights
- Jai Herbert vs. Rolando Bedoya; Lightweights
- Sedriques Dumas vs. Denis Tiuliulin; Middleweights