The main event at UFC Abu Dhabi showcased Umar Nurmagomedov’s dominant performance against Cory Sandhagen, securing the No. 1 contender spot for the bantamweight title. Nurmagomedov’s undefeated record of 18-0, with a flawless 7-0 record in the UFC, solidifies his position as a rising star in the division. His ability to go the distance in a five-round battle against a top opponent like Sandhagen proves his readiness for a title shot.
The fantasy match-making for Nurmagomedov points towards the winner of the O’Malley vs. Dvalishvili fight as his next opponent. The potential showdown promises an exciting clash between two top contenders in the bantamweight division. Nurmagomedov’s impressive performance at UFC Abu Dhabi leaves no doubt that he is next in line for a title shot, regardless of any unforeseen circumstances.
Despite a tough loss for Sandhagen, there is a silver lining in the form of potential matchups with former champions like Henry Cejudo. At 32 years old, Sandhagen still has time on his side to make a comeback and secure big fights in the division. A matchup with Cejudo could provide an intriguing stylistic battle and a pathway to a title shot if the cards align correctly.
After an impressive victory in the co-main event, Shara Magomedov called out Nick Diaz, which raised eyebrows considering Diaz’s status as a semi-retired legend. A more practical fight for Magomedov could be against Kelvin Gastelum, who carries name recognition and offers an exciting matchup for the rising prospect. Gastelum’s recent weight miss at welterweight opens up the possibility for a matchup at a more suitable division for both fighters.
Ranked No. 9 in the UFC’s divisional rankings, Jack Hermansson presents a potential wildcard matchup for Magomedov. While Hermansson may need wins to boost his title shot prospects, a fight against Magomedov could serve as a stepping stone for both fighters in the division. Promoting Magomedov to a higher ranking could be a stretch, but a victory could justify his placement among the top contenders.
Looking ahead to potential matchups in the women’s division, Yan Xiaonan emerges as a compelling opponent for contenders like Mackenzie Dern. With Dern’s competitive record against the top contenders and Xiaonan’s victory in their previous bout, a rematch between the two promises an exciting showdown in the strawweight division. Dern’s path to a title shot could involve avenging her previous losses and proving herself against tough opponents like Xiaonan.
As Jessica Andrade prepares to return to flyweight for a fight against Natalia Silva, the landscape of the division could open up opportunities for a potential matchup with Dern. While Andrade’s versatility across weight classes adds unpredictability to her next move, a rematch against Dern could offer both fighters a chance to solidify their positions in the division. Despite Dern’s recent setbacks, a victory over Andrade could catapult her towards title contention.
UFC Abu Dhabi showcased a mix of rising stars and former champions, setting the stage for exciting matchups and potential title contention in the bantamweight and women’s divisions. The fantasy match-making for the big names of the event provides a glimpse into the future of these fighters and the possible showdowns that await in their respective divisions. As the fighters prepare for their next steps, fans can anticipate thrilling battles and compelling storylines to unfold in the UFC.