Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov headlines August UFC event in Abu Dhabi

The UFC will return to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on Aug. 3 with UFC Fight Night 246.  The event is headlined by a bantamweight bout between second-ranked Cory Sandhagen and ninth-ranked Umar Nurmagomedov.  UFC officials announced the event and the headliner on Monday.

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Sandhagen (17-4) has won his last three fights and defeated Rob Font via unanimous decision in his last outing.  In his two previous bouts, Sandhagen defeated recent title challenger Marlon Vera and Song Yadong.  “The Sandman” will be looking to secure a title shot and extend his winning streak when he faces Nurmagomedov at Etihad Arena.

Nurmagomedov (17-0) is undefeated and ranked ninth in the 135-pound weight class.  A win over Sandhagen would put Nurmagomedov in line to fight to the title and face the winner of Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili who are rumored to be headlining the UFC 306 fight card at The Sphere in Las Vegas on Sept. 14.

Sandhagen and Nurmagomedov were scheduled to meet in the UFC on ESPN 50 main event last August in Nashville, but Nurmagomedov was forced with withdraw due to a shoulder injury.  Sanhagen went on to face Font instead.         

UFC Fight Night 246 will mark the fight promotion’s 19th visit to Abu Dhabi.