UFC Abu Dhabi live blog: Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov

This is the UFC Abu Dhabi live blog for Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov, the main event bantamweight fight on Saturday evening.

Currently the No. 4-ranked bantamweight in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings, Sandhagen is currently on a three-fight winning streak after falling short in his interim title fight against Petr Yan back in 2021. One of the most well-rounded fighters in the weight class, Sandhagen hopes to use those skills against a rising prospect to finally stake his claim for an undisputed title shot.

Perhaps the most hyped prospect in all of MMA, Nurmagomedov is the cousin of lightweight GOAT Khabib Nurmagomedov and carries with him the weight of his family name. Thus far he’s lived up to the hype, but Sandhagen is a massive leap up in competition for the undefeated Dagestani. If Nurmagomedov continues to impress with a win on Saturday, a title shot seems all but guaranteed.

Check out the UFC Abu Dhabi main event live blog below.