In a highly anticipated bantamweight showdown at UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov on August 3, 2024, Cory Sandhagen faced the undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov in Abu Dhabi. Despite a valiant effort, Sandhagen lost by unanimous decision, with scores of 50-45 and 49-46 from the judges

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 Post-Fight Reflection

In his Octagon interview, Sandhagen displayed sportsmanship and respect for his opponent:

“He was really good. I knew he was going to be really good. He beat me tonight, there’s nothing more I can say about it. Congrats to him, man. He’s a very, very, very good fighter. I’ll see him again. He’s going to fight for the belt next and probably win. And then, I’ll catch up to him and probably fight him again.”

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This statement reflects Sandhagen’s acknowledgment of Nurmagomedov’s skills and his determination to continue improving and potentially face him again in the future.

Cory Sandhagen Stays True To Himself

 Looking Ahead

Despite the loss, Sandhagen remains a formidable contender in the bantamweight division. His resilience and commitment to growth suggest that he will continue to be a significant presence in the UFC.