ABU DHABI: The UAE capital hosts MMA action for the second time this year with UFC Fight Night on Aug. 3, headlined by the highly anticipated bantamweight clash between Cory Sandhagen and Umar Nurmagomedov, who are both seeking a shot at the title.
Here are the main contests on Saturday night at Yas Island’s Etihad Arena.
Main Event: Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov
Sandhagen, fighting out of the US, makes his grand Abu Dhabi return to take on the undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov, a rising star from the legendary Nurmagomedov MMA dynasty, fighting out of Russia and making his debut in the capital city.
Nurmagomedov, the cousin of former lightweight champion Khabib, and Sandhagen will be competing to get a shot at bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley.
Returning legends and rising stars
In the co-main event featuring elite middleweights, Russia’s Shara Magomedov faces Poland’s Michal Oleksiejczuk. Other MMA veterans and icons competing on the main card include Marlon Vera, Deiveson Figueiredo, Mackenzie Dern, Lupita Godinez, Tony Ferguson, Michael Chiesa, Joel Alvarez and Elves.
The night will also feature rising stars including Alonzo Menifield, Azamat Murzakanov, Victoria Dudakova, Sam Hughes, Denis Tiuliulin, Sedriques Dumas, Jai Herbert, Rolando Bedoya, Kaue Fernandes, Shamil Gaziev, Don’Tale Mayes, and the UAE’s Mohammad Yahya.
Fan experience and pre-fight events
Throughout the week, fans in Abu Dhabi will have the opportunity to participate in a series of interactive and immersive UFC activities.
Weigh-ins at Etihad Arena
On Friday, Aug. 2, the athletes will hit the scale, and then later participate in the customary stare downs for UFC fans.
