Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov: Preview, Where to Watch and Betting Odds

Cory Sandhagen and Umar Nurmagomedov finally share the Octagon at UFC on ABC 7 one year after the matchmakers originally set them up. The pair headline in Abu Dhabi in a bantamweight title eliminator on the back of very good runs. Russia’s Umar Nurmagomedov is still undefeated as a professional five fights into his UFC career, while American Cory Sandhagen is on a three-fight win streak. Khabib’s cousin is the bookmakers' favorite.

MMA: UFC Bantamweight

Where to Watch: ESPN+/ABC

Venue: Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi

Date: 04.08.2024 00:15

The Colorado-born American has been a feature of the bantamweight class since debuting in the UFC in 2018. Currently, number two in the 135-pound rankings, Sandhagen is a former interim UFC bantamweight championship challenger, losing to Petr Yan in October 2021. “The Sandman” has won three fights on the bounce since then, stopping Song Yadong by TKO and earning decisions over Marlon Vera and Rob Font. In 2020, Cory Sandhagen contested a bantamweight title eliminator but came short against Aljamain Sterling. The 32-year-old teaches MMA at a High school and is a part-time child psychologist.

• Age: 32
• Height: 5’11”
• Weight: 135lbs (61kg)
• Reach: 69.5”
• Record: 17-4

The Russian has shot up the bantamweight rankings with just four fights in the promotion. Following the undefeated path of his illustrious cousin Khabib, Umar is 17-0 professionally. Nurmagomedov debuted in the UFC in 2021 with the submission of Sergey Morozov. His UFC resume includes wins over Nate Maness, Raoni Barcelos, and Brian Kelleher at featherweight. Trained by the legendary Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, the southpaw nicknamed “Young Eagle” won the 62kg world championship in combat sambo at nineteen.

• Age: 28
• Height: 5’8’’
• Reach: 69”
• Weight: 135lbs (61kg)
• Record: 17-0

Cory Sandhagen is a 3.25 underdog in the title eliminator on Bet365. On Betway the underdog is priced at 3.00 odds. Total over 4.5 is available at 1.74 on 1xBet, which also lists the under at 2 odds. Read more.