A win over Marlon Vera at UFC Abu Dhabi would go a long way toward Deiveson Figueiredo’s goal of becoming a two-division champ.
[autotag]Marlon Vera[/autotag] and [autotag]Deiveson Figueiredo[/autotag] meet Saturday on the main card of UFC on ABC 7 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom.
Last event: 3-2 UFC main cards, 2024: 64-56-3
Marlon Vera vs. Deiveson Figueiredo UFC on ABC 7 preview
Marlon Vera vs. Deiveson Figueiredo UFC on ABC 7 expert pick, prediction
In a fight that should’ve easily been the choice to co-main event this card, Figueiredo will do battle with Vera at 135 pounds.
Even if Figueiredo isn’t the biggest bantamweight on the roster, the former flyweight kingpin has proven why people like myself have long predicted the Brazilian to both move up and do well in this division.
Although I’m upset that the matchmakers continue to miss the biggest layup in the world by not booking Figueiredo against Petr Yan for an undeniable stylistic orgasm of epic proportions, I suppose we could do worse than a three-round action fight with the always-game Vera.
In Vera’s defense, I’d be tempted to take a flier on him as an underdog if this were a five-round affair. But with only 15 minutes to cover, I suspect that Figueiredo can dictate the bulk of the action while landing the harder blows via crushing counters.
The pick is Figueiredo by unanimous decision.
Marlon Vera vs. Deiveson Figueiredo UFC on ABC 7 odds
Despite the oddsmakers opening this fight as a pick’em, public money has come in on the former flyweight champ, listing Figueiredo -142 and Vera +116 via FanDuel.
Marlon Vera vs. Deiveson Figueiredo UFC on ABC 7 start time, how to watch
Vera and Figueiredo are expected to walk out to the cage at approximately 4:30 p.m. ET. The fight will air on ABC and stream on ESPN+.
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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ABC 7.
Make no mistake: This is a showcase spot for Shara Magomedov courtesy of the UFC matchmakers.
[autotag]Shara Magomedov[/autotag] and [autotag]Michal Oleksiejczuk[/autotag] meet Saturday on the main card of UFC on ABC 7 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom.
Last event: 3-2 UFC main cards, 2024: 64-56-3
Shara Magomedov vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk UFC on ABC 7 preview
Undefeated Magomedov (13-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC) has a chance to make a statement in a co-headlining spot after winning his first two UFC appearances. “Bullet” defeated Bruno Silva by unanimous decision last October before coming back to finish Antonio Trócoli in June. … leksiejczuk (19-8 MMA, 7-6 UFC) enters the fight on back-to-back losses and defeats in three of his past four.
Shara Magomedov vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk UFC on ABC 7 expert pick, prediction
Despite being more known for his dubious actions outside the cage than inside of it, Magomedov is being rewarded with a co-main event slot in just his third UFC showing. Stepping up for the matchmakers on the other side of what is an obvious showcase spot is Oleksiejczuk.
Oleksiejczuk is a staple action fighter for the promotion, but the Pole has been on a clear skid, losing 3 of his last 4 fights.
Although Oleksiejczuk’s southpaw pressure could produce some real problems for the one-and-done kicking stylings of Magomedov, I can’t help but suspect that “Shara Bullet” is being set up to succeed in this spot.
So, between seeing people like Paddy Pimblett pull through last week to all the suspect behavior during the UFC’s prior show in the Middle East, I’ll be following suit this Saturday and sticking with the locally connected hyped product to come up large.
The pick is Magomedov by first-round knockout.
Shara Magomedov vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk UFC on ABC 7 odds
The oddsmakers and the public continue to grow tumescent over the fighter who looks like he’s a villain straight out of a James Bond film, listing Magomedov -265 and Oleksiejczuk +210 via FanDuel.
Shara Magomedov vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk UFC on ABC 7 start time, how to watch
Magomedov and Oleksiejczuk are expected to walk out to the cage at approximately 5 p.m. ET. The fight will air on ABC and stream on ESPN+.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ABC 7.
Loopy Godinez welcomes Mackenzie Dern’s ground game at Saturday’s UFC on ABC 7 in Abu Dhabi.
[autotag]Mackenzie Dern[/autotag] arguably has the best jiu-jitsu in women’s MMA, yet, her opponent, [autotag]Loopy Godinez[/autotag], is not fazed by it.
Saturday, a pivotal women’s strawweight bout goes down on the main card of UFC on ABC 7 with Godinez (12-4 MMA, 7-4 UFC) clashing against Dern (13-5 MMA, 8-5 UFC). Many look to avoid the ground and any type of grappling when it comes to fighting Dern, a decorated jiu-jitsu champion. However, Godinez is eager to put her own grappling to the test and welcomes the challenge.
“The truth is that I’m not afraid to go to the ground with her because I’ve also worked a ton on my jiu-jitsu, and also on stopping a jiu-jitsu fighter from doing their things,” Godinez told MMA Junkie in Spanish. “That’s also very important – it’s not just about me doing jiu-jitsu. We’re focused on that a lot, and obviously our hands are always improving and that’s going to show. The truth is that I want to work my wrestling, but we’ll see how things go down.”
Both Godinez and Dern, although ranked names in the 115-pound division, are coming off losses and are looking to get back in their winning ways so they can make a run for the title. Dern is coming off a loss to Amanda Lemos and Godinez to Virna Jandiroba.
Despite their defeats, the Lobo Gym product is convinced she’ll enter back into title contention with a win on Saturday.
“Nobody likes to lose, obviously, but I just take it how it is – a lesson,” Godinez said. “I can just try to do things better this time around. This is not the first time I’ve lost, but it is more crucial because I’m high in the rankings. But it happened, and it signals I need to adjust things, and I think it’s better to find out now than later on when I’m more ahead.
“Again, a loss is never good, but if I do something big in my performance, you never know – maybe I just get one more, and then I’m fighting for the title. Someone can also get injured, and then I get a shot. This sport is just too unpredictable. All I can do is stay positive and keep moving forward.”
On the latest episode of “Spinning Back Clique,” the panel previews the key bouts at Saturday’s UFC on ABC 7 in Abu Dhabi.
There’s a big UFC event this weekend, with lots to discuss.
The octagon returns to Abu Dhabi with UFC on ABC 7 – an action-packed card with several important matchups. In the main event, top bantamweight contenders [autotag]Cory Sandhagen[/autotag] and [autotag]Umar Nurmagomedov[/autotag] clash in what may likely be a title eliminator bout. Additionally, [autotag]Shara Magomedov[/autotag] takes on [autotag]Michal Oleksiejczuk[/autotag], fan-favorite bantamweights [autotag]Marlon Vera[/autotag] and [autotag]Deiveson Figueiredo[/autotag], clash, and [autotag]Tony Ferguson[/autotag] makes his return, among other matchups.
With a big Fight Night on the horizon, MMA Junkie’s Brian “Goze” Garcia, Nolan King, Danny Segura, and host “Gorgeous” George Garcia previewed and analyzed the biggest bouts on UFC on ABC 7.
Watch their discussion in the video above, and don’t miss this week’s complete episode below on YouTube and in podcast form.
UFC on ABC 7 ceremonial weigh-ins are complete, and the fighters came face-to-face one final time before Saturday’s event.
ABU DHABI – UFC on ABC 7 ceremonial weigh-ins took place Friday, and the fighters came face-to-face one final time before Saturday’s event.
The weigh-ins took place at Etihad Arena in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, which hosts Saturday’s event (ABC/ESPN2/ESPN+). Check out the video above to see the athletes from all 13 scheduled matchups come face-to-face.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ABC 7.
Check out the final faceoff between UFC on ABC 7 headliners Cory Sandhagen and Umar Nurmagomedov in Abu Dhabi.
ABU DHABI – [autotag]Cory Sandhagen[/autotag] and [autotag]Umar Nurmagomedov[/autotag] had their final pre-fight meeting at Friday’s ceremonial weigh-ins ahead of their UFC on ABC 7 main event.
Sandhagen (17-4 MMA, 10-3 UFC) goes after what arguably would be the biggest win of his career Saturday against the unbeaten Nurmagomedov (17-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC). The fight is expected to be a title eliminator in the bantamweight division.
Watch the video above to see the UFC on ABC 7 ceremonial weigh-in faceoff between Sandhagen and Nurmagomedov. UFC on ABC 7 (ABC, ESPN2, ESPN+) takes place Saturday at Etihad Arena in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ABC 7.
Will Umar Nurmagomedov remain undefeated by getting past the savvy Cory Sandhagen in the UFC on ABC 7 main event?
MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom goes in-depth to break down the biggest fights in the UFC. Today, he takes a closer look at the UFC on ABC 7 main event between former bantamweight interim title challenger [autotag]Cory Sandhagen[/autotag] and undefeated [autotag]Umar Nurmagomedov[/autotag].
Supplemental info:
+ Combat sambo world champion
+ Amateur MMA accolades
+ 2 KO victories
+ 7 submission wins
+ 5 first-round finishes
+ Aggressive pace and pressure
+ Deceptively accurate hands/shot selection
^ Usually works off single shots
+ Dynamic kicking ability
^ Competent from both stances
+ Explosive power-double takedown
+ Strong inside the clinch
+ Excellent wrestling ability
^ Quick reactive shots/chains attacks well
+ Superb transitional grappler
^ Loves creating back exposure
Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov point of interest: Shifty strikers
Mar 25, 2023; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Marlon Vera (red gloves) fights Cory Sandhagen (blue gloves) during UFC Fight Night at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Meullion-USA TODAY Sports
The main event in Abu Dhabi features a bantamweight showdown between two fighters who aren’t afraid to switch their stances.
Despite listing himself as an orthodox stance fighter, Nurmagomedov is a competent operator from either side.
Preferring to fight from the outside, Nurmagomedov commands a plethora of kicks out of both stances. From prodding sidekicks to more powerful Thai kicks, Nurmagomedov is good about playing with the looks and levels of his attacks.
Once Nurmagomedov establishes a threat, the 28-year-old is smart about building off it by either going up high with a question mark kick or attaching sneaky counter-balancing punches to the end of his attacks.
Nevertheless, Nurmagomedov is not beyond being countered for his shifting sensibilities and will need to be on his best behavior opposite Sandhagen.
Coming up through the kickboxing ranks in the quiet martial arts hotbed of Colorado, Sandhagen has clearly studied and absorbed a lot in what has been a fun career to watch thus far.
Cory Sandhagen tracking Moraes' pivots by stepping through into southpaw to cut him off and flashing the jab in his face pic.twitter.com/6ezCljyQS0
Utilizing his long and lean frame like second nature, Sandhagen is a rangy kickboxer who appears comfortable poking and prodding his opposition with accurate jabs and leg kicks from either stance. Shifting or drop-stepping at a moment’s notice, the 32-year-old talent can piece together flowing, varied offense off of whatever building materials are offered up to him.
Whether Sandhagen is bringing back Jose Aldo’s patented “Dutchie” combination or launching jumping switch-knees that give me flashbacks to Liu Kang’s bicycle kick, he certainly knows how to keep things spicy. And when Sandhagen is feeling in stride, it’s not uncommon to see the good samaritan show a sadistic smile after punctuating his presence with deep hooks or uppercuts to the body.
However, despite the multi-leveled attacks, Sandhagen is not exactly impervious from a defensive standpoint and will have to respect the potential level-changing counters coming his way.
Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov breakdown: Potential grappling threats
Mar 5, 2022; Las Vegas, Nevada, UNITED STATES; Brian Kelleher (red gloves) fights Umar Nurmagomedov (blue gloves) during UFC 272 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Considering the arguable crux of Nurmagomedov’s game, no one should be shocked if the Russian fighter looks to take this party to the floor.
A world champion in combat sambo, Nurmagomedov is a well-rounded grappler who is dangerous from multiple positions.
Training with his brother under the tutelage of his uncle, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, from a young age, Nurmagomedov possesses a lot of the translateable wrestling and sambo tactics you’d like to see from said background.
Whether he’s hitting reactive shots at the drop of a dime or entering in on a clinch, Nurmagomedov is good about chaining his attacks until getting his desired result. From shuck-bys to the back to balance de-basing leg play, Sandhagen will have a lot to worry about this Saturday.
However, in the American’s defense, Sandhagen has, in his own words, become a bit of a wrestler himself.
After dropping a somewhat controversial decision to T.J. Dillashaw in the summer of 2021, Sandhagen started to smartly round out his game and incorporate more takedown looks into his offense.
Although Sandhagen hasn’t exactly gotten any finishes through his newfound appreciation for wrestling, you can argue that these looks help overload opposition and plant potential level-changing seeds that the Colorado native can capitalize on down the road.
Defensively, Sandhagen hasn’t had to show much of his chops since losing to Dillashaw, given the stylistic draw of his opponents. And though Sandhagen still surrendered takedowns in said sample sizes, the majority of those numbers come from caught kicks that played no real effect on the fight.
Even when taken down, Sandhagen can be a tricky customer to deal with.
Slippery inside the scramble, Sandhagen has shown that he is not one to settle for bad positions, displaying a stoic composure that – outside of his fight with Aljamain Sterling – has surely assisted him in adverse spots before. A Brazilian jiu-jitsu brown belt in his own right, Sandhagen is far from a slouch when it comes to fighting for positions in the grappling department.
Even when Sandhagen is taken down, he is quick to attack, whether he is throwing armbars off his back to going for triangles from an inverted guard. However, despite showing some savvy in tough spots, Sandhagen still will need to be careful when returning to his feet given his propensity to tripod up and expose his back (I warned about this in my breakdowns before his fights with Sterling and T.J. Dillashaw).
As Nurmagomedov has already shown in the octagon, the Dagestani fighter is incredibly systematic and effective when it comes to breaking down his opponents from rear mount and riding positions.
From wrist feeds to wrist rides, Nurmagomedov demonstrates all the hallmarks of his teammates who came before him in regard to wearing down and finishing opposition.
Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov odds
The oddsmakers and the public are siding with the Russian fighter, listing Nurmagomedov -333 and Sandhagen +250 via FanDuel.
Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov prediction, pick
Mar 5, 2022; Las Vegas, Nevada, UNITED STATES; Umar Nurmagomedov (blue gloves) celebrates after defeating Brian Kelleher (not pictured) during UFC 272 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Even though I don’t disagree with who is favored from a betting perspective, this fight could get even more interesting if these two are still tangling come the latter rounds.
Nurmagomedov appears to be a solid athlete with a strong motor attached to him, but we know that Sandhagen is a proven product when it comes to both his durability and staying power. Should he survive the early waves of offense from Nurmagomedov, then I’ll be curious to see how the Dagestani phenom swims in deep water.
That said, I ultimately believe that this is a stylistic matchup that bodes badly for Sandhagen.
Despite making marked improvements to his wrestling that he deserves credit for, Sandhagen still shows a strong propensity to show his back in scrambles – something that seems hardwired into his game at this point.
Although I’m curious to see what the presence of Sandhagen’s newfound coach, Trevor Wittman, will bring to the table, I’m not sure it will counteract the grappling dynamic between these two.
As a fan of Sandhagen’s, I definitely wouldn’t mind being wrong on this one. But as an analyst who is just trying to go off of what I see, I can’t help but side with Nurmagomedov to find a submission by the end of Round 3.
Prediction: Nurmagomedov inside the distance
Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov start time, where to watch
As the main event, Sandhagen and Nurmagomedov are expected to make their walks to the octagon at approximately 5:30 p.m. ET (2:30 p.m. PT). The fight broadcasts live on ESPN and streams on ESPN+.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ABC 7.
Check out a live video stream of the UFC on ABC 7 ceremonial weigh-ins.
ABU DHABI – UFC on ABC 7 ceremonial fighter weigh-ins take place Friday, and you can catch a live video stream of the proceedings here on MMA Junkie at 10 a.m. ET (7 a.m. PT).
The weigh-ins take place at Etihad Arena in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. The same venue hosts Saturday’s event (ABC/ESPN2/ESPN+). In addition to the video stream above, you can check out the official UFC on ABC 7 weigh-in results from earlier in the day.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ABC 7.
The main card for Saturday’s UFC on ABC 7 event is set after a successful weigh-in session, and you can watch the highlights.
ABU DHABI – The UFC on ABC 7 fight card is now official following Friday’s official weigh-ins session where all 26 fighters successfully hit their marks on the scale.
Saturday’s event, which takes place at Etihad Arena with a main card that airs on ABC following prelims on ESPN2 and ESPN+, is headlined by a bantamweight matchup between Cory Sandhagen (17-4 MMA, 10-3 UFC) and Umar Nurmagomedov (17-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC).
Check out the weigh-in highlights for the main card in the video above.
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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ABC 7.
