Michael Bisping praises Cory Sandhagen for risking his rating vs. Umar Nurmagomedov.
Sandhagen (17-4 MMA, 10-3 UFC) takes on Nurmagomedov (17-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC) within the UFC on ABC 7 fundamental occasion, which takes place Aug. 3 at Etihad Area in Abu Dhabi.
After Merab Dvalishvili will get his shot at UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley, Bisping expects the following No. 1 contender to emerge out of the winner between Sandhagen and Nurmagomedov.
“In the case of contenders, Cory Sandhagen is correct there,” Bisping advised TNT Sports activities. “He has confirmed himself because the worthy man, however he’s obtained to proceed combating to ascertain himself and get that shot. There isn’t a one higher, there’s nobody hungrier, there’s no another plain than Umar Nurmagomedov.
“After all with that final title, with the resume, the undefeated document and the well-rounded expertise. (He’s) Dagestani – we all know the wrestling is there. However the man is a kickboxing phenom, as effectively. It is a super struggle. After all, it’s the primary occasion and whoever wins this, they need to be subsequent for Sean O’Malley.”
Bisping thinks each Sandhagen and Nurmagomedov have quite a bit to lose, however it’s No. 2 ranked UFC bantamweight Sandhagen who’s combating somebody ranked eight spots beneath him.
“It’s type of a nasty state of affairs for each of them,” Bisping stated. “On paper, they’re each proper there. Cory Sandhagen has earned a title struggle. Do not forget that absolute washout he had of (Marlon) ‘Chito’ Vera? No disrespect to ‘Chito’ – he’s a very good buddy of mine – however Cory Sandhagen was only one step forward. He’s a lovely striker. He’s obtained nice submissions. He’s obtained glorious wrestling. He’s very tall and lengthy for the division.
“He’s crushed some nice competitors, and now he’s going to tackle the undefeated Dagestani with a ton of hype and an important final title. So I type of really feel for Cory Sandhagen, however credit score to this man, kudos to him, as a result of he’s keen to do it. He’s keen to threat all of it to go up towards Umar Nurmagomedov. It’s a sensational struggle.”
For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC Abu Dhabi.
You should definitely go to the MMA Junkie Instagram web page and YouTube channel to debate this and extra content material with followers of blended martial arts.
