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Mixed Martial Arts Event Preview: Sandhagen Square off Against Nurmagomedov

Fight Night headliner sees Umar Nurmagomedov facing off against Cory Sandhagen in a highly anticipated match-up, both set to clash in the UFC main event this coming Saturday.

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In the UFC's main event on Saturday, Umar Nurmagomedov finally gets the chance to challenge a...
In the UFC's main event on Saturday, Umar Nurmagomedov finally gets the chance to challenge a high-profile opponent, going head-to-head with Cory Sandhagen.

Mixed Martial Arts Event Preview: Sandhagen Square off Against Nurmagomedov

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UFC's small fry, Umar Nurmagomedov, is ready to rumble against big shot Cory Sandhagen in the main event of this weekend's showdown in Abu Dhabi, penned by Quintin van Jaarsveld.

Diaz was initially slated to return against Vicente Luque, but his travel issues forced him out, leading to a new co-headliner featuring undefeated Shara Magomedov against Michal Oleksiejczuk.

The undercard is stacked, with Marlon Vera squaring off against Deiveson Figueiredo, Tony Ferguson facing Michael Chiesa, Mackenzie Dern battling Loopy Godinez, and Joel Alvarez duking it out with Elves Brener.

MAIN CARD (9 PM Saturday SA time):

Cory Sandhagen (3.60) v Umar Nurmagomedov (1.30) (Bantamweight)

In combat sports, it's rare to find opponents unwilling to take on a rising star like Nurmagomedov, who's been tearing through the ranks undefeated. Witnessing his ascension has been akin to watching Khabib Nurmagomedov's dominant reign.

No. 2-ranked Sandhagen (17-4) has had his sights set on the title for a while and has stringed together back-to-back victories over Song Yadong, Marlon Vera, and Rob Font to inch closer to his goal. His notable wins include Marlon Moraes and Frankie Edgar, both via highlight-reel knockouts.

A former interim title contender, "The Sandman" showcases slick striking but is wise not to engage Nurmagomedov at close range. Instead, he'll rely on his speed and evasive moves to keep chopping away from afar.

Sandhagen's a substantial challenge for anyone at 135 lbs, but the Dagestani powerhouse's wrestling, top control, and exceptional endurance should edge him towards victory in a fight destined to go the distance.

Prediction: Nurmagomedov by decision.Best Bet: Nurmagomedov by decision at 2.10.Alternative Bet: Fight to go the distance at 1.71.

Shara Magomedov (1.40) v Michal Oleksiejczuk (3.05) (Middleweight)

Like his cousin Umar, Magomedov is an unbeaten force hailing from Dagestan. As opposed to Nurmagomedov, however, Magomedov's known for his flashy and powerful striking. He's a lethal, high-volume striker with 11 KO's to his name and a bonus-winning stoppage against Antonio Trocoli in June under his belt.

Oleksiejczuk (19-8), a veteran, steps in as Magomedov's next test, despite losing his last two fights by submission in under two minutes to Michel Pereira and Kevin Holland. He's up for a striking contest and carries 14 KO's on his record.

Despite his veteran cunning, Oleksiejczuk finds himself in a tough position against Magomedov, who could score another impressive finish.

Prediction: Magomedov by knockout.Best Bet: Magomedov by KO/TKO/DQ at 1.90.Alternative Bet: Magomedov at 1.40.

Marlon Vera (2.14) v Deiveson Figueiredo (1.74) (Bantamweight)

Figueiredo, former flyweight champ, has made a splash in the 135-pound division with two wins against division stalwarts since moving up weight classes. His stunning decision win over Rob Font wasn't enough, as he went on to submit ex-bantamweight champ Cody Garbrandt at UFC 300, rocketing him up the rankings to the 6# spot.

Vera, who fought for the title last time out, lost to him in a close decision. While well-rounded, Vera relies on his solid jab and boasts a record of 4 submission wins. He'll need to establish his rhythm to stand a chance against Figueiredo.

Figueiredo is dangerous, with a past history of finishing opponents, but Vera's size, strength, youth, and gas tank should help him bounce back from his last defeat, overcoming Figueiredo in another close decision.

Prediction: Vera by decision.Best Bet: Vera at 2.14.Alternative Bet: Vera by decision at 4.00.

The remaining fights on the main card and full event details can be found at Bet Now: UFC Fight Night.

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