UFC Fight Night prediction – Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov: Fight card, start time, odds, live stream

Cory Sandhagen and Umar Nurmagomedov will headline one of the most spectacular UFC Fight Nights of the year. The winner of Saturday’s bout is likely to challenge either Sean O’Malley or Merab Dvalishvili for the UFC bantamweight title.

Sandhagen (17-4) has never backed down from a tough fight. “The Sandman” has long been touted as a future UFC champion, but significant setbacks against Aljamain Sterling and Petr Yan in title eliminators and interim title fights have held him back. Eager to win the undisputed title, Sandhagen took the unexpected route of challenging a fighter far behind him in the UFC’s official bantamweight rankings. Sandhagen (No. 2) challenged the division’s undefeated boogeyman Nurmagomedov (No. 10).

“In these kind of fights you have to be very fast and precise,” Sandhagen told CBS Sports. “I think this will bring out the best in me. I think I’m better than I’ve ever been. I have a few years of experience now. I have the advantage of experience. Although I think it will be a tough fight, I will go home with a win.”

“It prepares me equally well to fight O’Malley or Merab, with Merab’s grappling and O’Malley’s long striking style. Omar is kind of a version of both of them. I’m preparing for the title fight at the same time I’m preparing for a well-rounded, undefeated Nurmagomedov. It’s very exciting, man.”

Nurmagomedov (17-0) is looking to replicate the unmatched success of his cousin, undefeated former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. The older brother of Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov, Omar could soon add more gold to the family’s trophy case. There are several reasons fighters reportedly turn down fights against Omar. He is a dominant grappler, averaging 4.5 takedowns per 15 minutes in the UFC and holding a 41% submission finish rate.

“He’s a great fighter. He’s a tough player and a technically strong striker. I don’t think it will be an easy fight, but it won’t be too difficult either…” Nurmagomedov told CBS Sports. “I think I’m one of the top fighters, but if I want to be number one, I have to be the champion.”

Watch the full interview with Nurmagomedov below.

This event has one of the deepest undercards for a non-PPV in recent memory. It was hurt by the loss of Nick Diaz vs. Vicente Luque, but there are several names worth following on Saturday. Former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo is set to take on a former title challenger in Marlon Vera at bantamweight. Former top welterweight Tony Ferguson tries to avoid the dubious distinction when he takes on veteran Michael Chiesa. Ferguson could set the record for most consecutive losing streaks in UFC history with a loss. Plus, Mackenzie Dern looks to get back on track when she takes on Lupi Godinez.

Below is the remaining fight card for Saturday, including the latest odds, before we make our predictions and picks for the main event.

UFC Fight Night card, odds

UFC Fight Night viewing information

date: 3 August | Start time: 3 p.m. ET (main card)
Place: Etihad Arena – Yas Island, United Arab Emirates
TV Channels: ESPN+

Prediction

Cory Sandhagen vs. Omar Nurmagomedov: Sandhagen is a tough fight, but Nurmagomedov is a tough task for anyone. Sandhagen is a brilliant, thoughtful striker, but his dynamic style can put him in dangerous positions. In contrast, Nurmagomedov rarely makes mistakes. Sandhagen’s experience will be crucial. The American fighter has faced multiple UFC champions and his last five fights have all lasted between 20 and 25 minutes. Nurmagomedov has rarely faced top 15 UFC fighters and has never gone longer than 15 minutes. I don’t doubt stamina will be an issue for either fighter. Sandhagen is battle-tested and Nurmagomedov’s camp is renowned for its stamina and grueling training style. Sandhagen will make key adjustments during the fight and teach Nurmagomedov some valuable lessons; however, I expect Nurmagomedov’s impressive grappling and razor-sharp striking defense to earn him a competitive decision win. Nurmagomedov by unanimous decision

UFC Fight Night: Who wins Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov, and how does each fight end? Visit SportsLine now to get the scoop on UFC Fight Night, all from an MMA expert who’s made more than $1,500 in profit on his UFC main-card picks in 2023, and learn more.