“The name is the cheat code” – Umar Nurmagomedov outclasses Cory Sandhagen to earn title shot as Coach Khabib continues legacy

UFC on ABC 7 results: Umar Nurmagomedov outworks Cory Sandhagen in first feature headliner; Khabib coaching remains a talking point.

“The name is the cheat code” – Umar Nurmagomedov outclasses Cory Sandhagen to earn title shot as Coach Khabib continues legacy

Umar Nurmagomedov outworks Cory Sandhagen (Source: X/IMAGO)

The UFC on ABC 7 full fight card came to a close with a highly technical skill-to-skill display. Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov saw a non-stop trade of effective striking, grappling attempts, and reversals. Ultimately, it was coach Khabib Nurmagomedov in the win column as his cousin took the win home.

Cory Sandhagen still has ways to contend for future title opportunities. The journey is not over for him. The 32-year switch-stance striker proved how efficient he can be both in standup and on the ground. In his five successful attempts, every time Umar Nurmagomedov opted for a single leg takedown and a subsequent limb separation, ‘Sandman’ got out.

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Every time ‘Young Eagle’ spun around and got Sandhagen’s back, the rival would get back up on his feet or keep his torso high up. He also answered back with some prime striking and leg kicks himself. Ultimately, the 28-year-old from Dagestan proved that he lived up to the hype of being next in line to coach Khabib’s legacy.

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Umar Nurmagomedov defeated Sandhagen via unanimous nod (50-45, 49-46, 49-46) on all the judges’ scorecards. As such, he has a top-line to 135-pound king Sean O’Malley after winning what was always considered a top contender’s bout. As such, the win, with lightweight legend Khabib at his cousin’s side, has gone quite viral.

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UFC on ABC 7 results: Fight fans react to Umar Nurmagomedov winning, claiming title shot

AKA’s Umar Nurmagomedov outworked Cory Sandhagen in his first headliner in prime and tactile fashion. Nurmagomedov remained undefeated after going the distance in the marquee bout of UFC on ABC 7. Cory Sandhagen was a tricky fighter to get past and propel him towards the undisputed gold. Yet, he mixed up his jab work and grappling at the end of every round to overwhelm Sandhagen.

UFC on ABC 7 social media reactions to Khabib and Umar Nurmagomedov
UFC on ABC 7 social media reactions to Khabib and Umar Nurmagomedov (Source: UFC.go.com)

Sandhagen’s three-fight win streak came to an end. During his post-fight interview, ‘Young Eagle’ called for a title shot, with no preference for either O’Malley or title challenger Merab Dvalishvili. The duo meet at the Noche UFC 306 PPV headliner. Here’s what fans think of Nurmagomedov’s undefeated stint and coach Khabib at his side:

Although Cory Sandhagen could not live up to his aspirations of removing the zero from the stats, many lauded him. His takedown defenses and subsequently reversing Nurmagomedov’s “twisters” were a work of wonder.

Javier Mendez recently told Helen Yee that Khabib will now corner all his close AKA members. With Islam Makhachev and Belal Muhammad recently, this marks a trifecta of wins for Khabib. A prominent reaction (@LiamHealy16) thus went – “The name Nurmagomedov is a cheat code.” As such, his legacy still holds one way or another.

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