Matches To Make Post-UFC Abu Dhabi

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UFC Abu Dhabi went down last night (Sat., Aug. 3, 2024) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, featuring a Bantamweight main event that saw Umar Nurmagomedov defeat Cory Sandhagen via unanimous decision (relive it here) to keep his perfect record (18-0) intact. In the co-main event, Shara Magomedov defeated Michał Oleksiejczuk on the judges scorecards to remain undefeated (14-0, 3-0 UFC), while Michael Chiesa choked out Tony Ferguson to hand him his eighth straight loss (watch highlights).

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Winner: Umar Nurmagomedov
Who He Should Face Next: O’Malley vs. Merab winner

Nurmagomedov (18-0, 6-0 UFC) will likely overtake the No. 2 spot previously held by Sandhagen, so a title shot will likely be next. Sean O’Malley will defend his title against Merab Dvalishvili at Noche UFC 2 on Sept. 14, so Umar will have plenty of time to prepare for the winner. This one makes sense given the landscape of the Top 5 at the moment.

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Winner: Shara Magomedov
Who He Should Face Next: Rodolfo Vieira

It wasn’t easy, but Magomedov remained undefeated (14-0, 3-0 UFC), defeating a very tough Michał Oleksiejczuk. After he defeated Antonio Trocoli, I suggested a fight against Vieira, and it’s still one I think should happen. Vieira is currently 5-2 overall inside the Octagon and would definitely test “Bullet’s” grappling skills. Just watch out for those fence grabs.

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Winner: Deiveson Figueiredo
Who He Should Face Next: Petr Yan

After defeating Marlon Vera to secure his third straight win at 135 pounds, Figueiredo called for a title fight. It’s something he likely won’t get next if Umar gets his way, so one more win has to be obtained if “Daico” wants a chance to become a two-division champion. And that is where Yan steps in. Fresh off a win over Song Yadong earlier this year, “No Mercy” is also trying to get back to a title fight, so the winner of this bout could very well get next.

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Winner: Michael Chiesa
Who He Should Face Next: Nicolas Dalby

Chiesa snapped his three-fight losing streak by handing Tony Ferguson consecutive loss No. 8. No longer ranked in the Top 15, “Maverick” must now start his hike back to the rankings, and a win over someone like Dalby might help him get the job done. Dalby is coming off a tough split decision loss at the hands Rinat Fakhretdinov, snapping his four-fight win streak. A fight against Colby Covington is simply out of the question, Chiesa.

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Winner: Mackenzie Dern
Who She Should Fight Next: Amanda Ribas rematch

Dern got back into the win column by narrowly edging out Loopy Godinez, snapping her two-fight losing streak in the process. Now that she has some new-found confidence, Dern is out to start a run ... or at least try to secure her first consecutive win streak since 2021. Currently ranked No. 7, Dern could be looking at a showdown against Ribas one more time. The two initially threw down five years ago, with Ribas handing Dern her first-ever defeat. A lot has changed since then, and while Ribas (No. 8) is coming off a loss to Rose Namajunas, it’s a fight I’m sure Dern (No. 7) would like to get back.

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Winner: Joel Alvarez
Who He Should Fight Next: Nasrat Haqparast

Alvarez improved his record to 6-2 in his first eight fights with the promotion, winning two straight, after stopping Elves Brener in the third and final round. The surging Lightweight could be eying a ranking spot soon, but he might need one more win (or two) to get there. I like a fight against Haqparast next because like Alvarez, he is on a roll. Indeed, the Moroccan has won four straight and was last seen defeating Jared Gooden just last month.

For complete UFC Abu Dhabi results, coverage and highlights, click HERE.