The UFC returned to the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on August 3, 2024, for an afternoon showcase that delivered high-stakes bantamweight action and memorable performances across the card. UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs Nurmagomedov featured a title eliminator in the main event, the controversial absence of Nick Diaz from the co-main event, and a heartbreaking milestone for a UFC legend. With 13 fights producing thrilling finishes and decisive performances, the event solidified new contenders and raised serious questions about the futures of several veteran fighters.
The main card aired live on ABC and ESPN+ at 3:00 PM ET, marking the UFC's 19th visit to Abu Dhabi and first since UFC 294 in October 2023. The event drew particular attention for its bantamweight title implications, as undefeated prospect Umar Nurmagomedov faced elite contender Cory Sandhagen in a five-round main event that would determine the next challenger for the 135-pound championship.
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Main Card - UFC on ABC 7: Sandhagen vs Nurmagomedov
Umar Nurmagomedov (Russia) defeats Cory Sandhagen (USA) via Unanimous Decision (50-45, 49-46, 49-46)
In his first UFC main event assignment, the 28-year-old Umar Nurmagomedov delivered a masterclass performance to remain undefeated and cement his status as the top bantamweight contender. The cousin of legendary former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov methodically dismantled the crafty veteran Sandhagen over 25 minutes, showcasing the complete skillset that has made him one of the sport's most promising young fighters.
Nurmagomedov improved to an unblemished 18-0 overall and 6-0 in the UFC, extending his winning streak to five consecutive victories. Sandhagen, the former interim title challenger who entered on a three-fight winning streak, had his momentum halted as he dropped to 17-5 in his professional career.
The fight began with Sandhagen finding early success, effectively denying Nurmagomedov's takedown attempts in the opening round and attacking the Russian's lead leg with sharp kicks. However, Nurmagomedov's tactical adjustments became apparent from the second round onward. The Dagestani fighter mixed swift punching combinations with kicks to all levels, gradually breaking down Sandhagen's defenses. His wrestling prowess—the signature of those bearing the Nurmagomedov name—proved crucial as he secured takedowns and controlled positioning when the fight hit the canvas.
Sandhagen struggled to mount any sustained, momentum-shifting offense despite his best efforts to keep the fight on the feet where he typically thrives. One judge scored the bout a dominant 50-45 shutout, while the other two saw it 49-46, both in favor of Nurmagomedov. The victory positions "Young Eagle" for a championship opportunity against the winner of the upcoming UFC 306 title fight between champion Sean O'Malley and Merab Dvalishvili scheduled for September.
In his post-fight interview with Daniel Cormier, Nurmagomedov called out O'Malley, expressing confidence that he would become the next bantamweight champion. The performance marked the culmination of a 13-month period during which injuries had slowed his ascent, but Nurmagomedov erased any doubts about his championship credentials with his most complete victory to date.
Sharabutdin "Shara Bullet" Magomedov (Russia) defeats Michał Oleksiejczuk (Poland) via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) - Fight of the Night
The co-main event delivered the action-packed thriller that earned both fighters a $50,000 Fight of the Night bonus. The one-eyed Russian middleweight Shara Magomedov remained perfect in his professional career, improving to 14-0 overall and 3-0 in the UFC with a hard-fought unanimous decision over the tough-as-nails Polish veteran Michał Oleksiejczuk.
This bout had been elevated to co-main event status after the planned matchup between Nick Diaz and Vicente Luque was scrapped due to travel issues related to Diaz. The 30-year-old Magomedov, stepping up on relatively short notice for this higher-profile position, demonstrated why the UFC has such high hopes for the dynamic striker.
Throughout all three rounds, Magomedov showcased his trademark varied Muay Thai approach, utilizing quick kicks, spinning techniques, and clever angles to outpoint his opponent. Oleksiejczuk, who entered having lost two consecutive fights, refused to make it easy for the undefeated prospect. The Polish fighter constantly pressed forward, absorbing Magomedov's best shots and landing solid counters of his own in a valiant effort.
All three judges scored the fight cleanly for Magomedov, with two seeing it 30-27 and one scoring it 29-28. The victory represented Magomedov's most significant test to date in the UFC and his best performance against a ranked opponent. For Oleksiejczuk, the loss extended his skid to three consecutive defeats and four losses in his last five outings, dropping his UFC record to a concerning position.
Magomedov's entertaining style and perfect record have positioned him for a potential step up into the middleweight rankings, with the UFC clearly viewing him as a future contender based on his co-main event placement on such a significant card.
Deiveson Figueiredo (Brazil) defeats Marlon "Chito" Vera (Ecuador) via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo continued his impressive bantamweight campaign with a convincing unanimous decision victory over recent title challenger Marlon "Chito" Vera. The 36-year-old Brazilian improved to 3-0 since moving up to the 135-pound division, making a compelling case for a title shot in his new weight class.
Figueiredo, who had reigned as flyweight champion multiple times before making the jump to bantamweight, demonstrated the well-rounded skillset that made him dominant at 125 pounds. In all three rounds, "Deus da Guerra" (God of War) proved to be the more active and effective fighter, mixing wrestling into his striking assault to keep Vera off-balance and unable to establish his rhythm.
In the first two rounds, Figueiredo effectively utilized his grappling, securing takedowns and controlling position to neutralize Vera's dangerous striking. Content to stand and trade in the third frame, the Brazilian showcased his power by dropping Vera with a sharp right hand midway through the round. He continued to maintain control through the final horn, never allowing the Ecuadorian to mount a sustained comeback.
Two judges scored the fight 29-28, while one saw it more decisively at 30-27, all in favor of Figueiredo. The victory was particularly significant given that Vera had challenged Sean O'Malley for the bantamweight title in his previous fight at UFC 299 in March 2024. By defeating the most recent title challenger, Figueiredo inserted himself directly into championship conversations.
In his post-fight interview, Figueiredo made his intentions clear, calling for a title shot and expressing confidence that he could capture gold in his second weight class. With this win, he positioned himself as a potential backup opponent or next challenger depending on the outcome of the O'Malley vs. Dvalishvili title fight.
Michael Chiesa (USA) defeats Tony Ferguson (USA) via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) at 3:44 of Round 1
In one of the most emotionally difficult moments in recent UFC history, welterweight veteran Michael Chiesa submitted the legendary Tony Ferguson in the first round, handing "El Cucuy" his record-breaking eighth consecutive defeat. The loss surpassed the previous UFC record of seven straight defeats held by BJ Penn, a mark no fighter wants to claim.
The 40-year-old Ferguson, once a dominant force at lightweight with a 12-fight winning streak and an interim championship, has now not won a fight since June 2019. His losing streak began with a fifth-round TKO loss to Justin Gaethje in May 2020 and has continued through defeats to Charles Oliveira, Beneil Dariush, Michael Chandler, Nate Diaz, Bobby Green, Paddy Pimblett, and now Chiesa.
The fight itself was brief but decisive. Ferguson came out aggressive, stalking Chiesa and landing his jab while pressing forward with his trademark unorthodox style. However, Chiesa remained composed and landed a stiff jab followed by a leg kick. When Ferguson attempted to close the distance with a combination, Chiesa seized the opportunity, clinching up and securing an early takedown.
Once the fight hit the mat, Chiesa's superior grappling took over immediately. "Maverick" smoothly transitioned to Ferguson's back and methodically worked to lock in a rear-naked choke. Despite Ferguson's legendary toughness and defensive efforts, Chiesa secured the choke and forced the tap at 3:44 of the opening round.
For Chiesa, the victory snapped his own three-fight losing streak dating back to January 2021, marking his first win in more than three years. The 36-year-old welterweight had been contemplating his own future in the sport and later revealed on the Anik & Florian Podcast that he likely would have retired had he lost to Ferguson.
The post-fight scene was particularly poignant. Chiesa, in a gracious gesture, gave up the microphone to Ferguson, allowing him to address the crowd. In his interview with Daniel Cormier, Ferguson tearfully stated: "I don't want to retire, I really don't. But I love the UFC and I don't want to go anywhere else. So, I'm not going to put both gloves down. I'm going to put one and I'm going to keep the other one, just in case."
The symbolic act of leaving only one glove in the Octagon represented Ferguson's reluctance to fully commit to retirement despite the overwhelming evidence that his time as a competitive fighter has passed. UFC president Dana White and many in the MMA community have called for Ferguson to hang up his gloves, though the warrior spirit that defined his career makes it difficult for him to walk away.
Mackenzie Dern (USA) defeats Lupita "Loopy" Godinez (Mexico) via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion Mackenzie Dern snapped her two-fight losing streak with a hard-fought unanimous decision victory over Mexico's Lupita "Loopy" Godinez in women's strawweight action. All three judges scored the competitive bout 29-28 in favor of Dern, who improved to 14-5 overall while Godinez dropped to 11-5.
The fight showcased Dern's well-rounded evolution as a mixed martial artist. While her grappling credentials are world-class—she's one of the most decorated jiu-jitsu practitioners in the sport—Dern has worked diligently to develop her striking and overall MMA game. Against the durable and technical Godinez, Dern needed every weapon in her arsenal across the 15-minute contest.
Godinez, known for her toughness and ability to compete in both the flyweight and strawweight divisions, made Dern work for every moment of success. The Mexican fighter landed clean strikes and defended takedowns effectively throughout portions of the fight, making it a genuine competitive battle rather than a one-sided grappling clinic.
With the victory, Dern became the 17th woman to win nine or more fights in the UFC, joining an elite group of female competitors. The win was crucial for the 31-year-old mother, who had suffered consecutive losses to Jessica Andrade and Amanda Ribas that threatened her position in the strawweight rankings. By defeating Godinez, Dern likely preserved her spot in the division's top tier and positioned herself for another meaningful matchup against a ranked opponent.
Joel Alvarez (Spain) defeats Elves Brener (Brazil) via TKO (Knees and Punches) at 3:36 of Round 3 - Performance of the Night
Spanish lightweight Joel "El Fenomeno" Alvarez maintained his perfect finishing rate with a brutal third-round stoppage of Brazilian prospect Elves Brener in the main card opener. The towering 6'3" Spaniard improved to 21-3 overall and 6-2 in the UFC, earning a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus for his impressive work.
Alvarez demonstrated patience and precision throughout the fight, utilizing his significant reach advantage to control distance and land long strikes. In the opening round, he stung Brener with crisp combinations and even locked onto a D'Arce choke attempt late in the frame, though the tough Brazilian survived into round two. Brener, who entered the fight with a perfect 3-0 record in the UFC and had never been stopped in his career, showed his championship-level durability by weathering Alvarez's early onslaught.
The second round saw Alvarez continue to work comfortably behind his length, picking Brener apart with jabs, straight punches, and body kicks while staying out of danger. However, the finish came in the third round when Alvarez recognized a wounded opponent and pounced. Approximately 90 seconds into the final frame, Alvarez hurt Brener with a sharp combination and immediately went into finishing mode.
Against the cage, Alvarez unleashed a devastating array of knees to the head and body while Brener was trapped in the clinch. The knees buckled Brener's legs and compromised his defenses, forcing him to the canvas. Once on the ground, Alvarez followed with punishing ground-and-pound strikes until referee Lukasz Bosacki stepped in to halt the contest at 3:36, saving Brener from further damage.
The victory was particularly sweet for Alvarez, who has struggled with visa issues and extended layoffs throughout his UFC tenure. With all 21 of his professional victories coming by way of finish—17 by submission and four by knockout or TKO—the Spanish fighter has one of the most exciting records in the lightweight division.
In his post-fight interview, Alvarez called out veteran Bobby "King" Green for a potential matchup at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi in October. "No takedowns, no submissions, only boxing," Alvarez declared, expressing his desire for a striking-focused battle with the American veteran. The callout demonstrated Alvarez's confidence in his improved standup game and his readiness to face ranked competition.
The Prelims - UFC on ABC 7: Sandhagen vs Nurmagomedov
Azamat Murzakanov (Russia) defeats Alonzo Menifield (USA) via KO (Punches) at 3:18 of Round 2 - Performance of the Night
The undefeated Russian light heavyweight Azamat Murzakanov delivered a spectacular knockout to cap the preliminary card, earning a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus for his finishing work. Competing in his first fight in over a year, the 35-year-old Murzakanov improved to 14-0 overall and 4-0 in the UFC with his third knockout inside the Octagon.
The southpaw Murzakanov opened strong, landing a clean uppercut early and controlling much of the first round with superior boxing fundamentals. He systematically broke down the dangerous Menifield, landing clean combinations and opening a cut near the American's left eye with his precise striking. However, Menifield—a proven knockout artist himself—remained dangerous throughout and began to find success in the second round.
The dramatic finish came after a wild exchange where both fighters appeared to hurt each other. Menifield, thinking he had rocked his opponent, pressed forward aggressively looking to capitalize. However, Murzakanov demonstrated championship-level composure and countered with devastating effect. The Russian landed a slashing left uppercut that put Menifield on unsteady legs, then immediately followed with a vicious multi-punch combination.
The final sequence saw Murzakanov land several haymakers that completely floored the American fighter. Menifield's mouthpiece flew partially out of his mouth as he crashed to the canvas, clearly unconscious from the standing strikes. Murzakanov added two definitive ground punches before referee Lukasz Bosacki rushed in to wave off the contest at 3:18 of round two, with Menifield face-down and unable to defend himself.
The knockout was particularly impressive given that Murzakanov had absorbed some heavy return fire from Menifield just moments before landing the finishing blows. His ability to stay composed, counter effectively, and close the show demonstrated the high fight IQ and boxing skill that separates him from many in the light heavyweight division.
In his post-fight interview with Daniel Cormier, a clearly emotional Murzakanov questioned why the UFC wasn't paying more attention to his undefeated record. "I'd like to ask UFC a question: 14-0, nobody is worried about that?" he stated through an interpreter, making his case for a step up in competition. He called for a top-five opponent in his next outing, confident that his skill level warrants placement among the division's elite.
For Menifield, the brutal knockout loss dropped his record to 15-5-1 overall and 8-5-1 in the UFC, extending his recent struggles. The defeat came just months after he had suffered a similarly devastating knockout loss to Carlos Ulberg, raising concerns about the long-term effects of absorbing such heavy damage.
Kauê Fernandes (Brazil) defeats Mohammad Yahya (United Arab Emirates) via TKO (Punches) at 4:45 of Round 1
Brazilian lightweight prospect Kauê Fernandes earned his first UFC victory in brutal fashion, chopping down local fighter Mohammad Yahya with devastating leg kicks before finishing with punches late in the opening round. The 29-year-old Brazilian improved to 9-2 overall and 1-1 in the UFC, bouncing back from a split decision loss to Marc Diakiese in his promotional debut five months earlier.
Fernandes, a Nova Uniao product, came into the fight as a sizable betting favorite and immediately implemented a punishing game plan. From the opening bell, he targeted Yahya's lead leg with thunderous low kicks that had immediate and visible effects. The kicks accumulated rapidly, leaving Yahya's leg grotesquely swollen with welts clearly visible to the naked eye.
The UAE-born fighter, competing in front of his home crowd, showed tremendous heart but was quickly compromised by the leg damage. Yahya's mobility deteriorated with each passing minute, forcing him into desperation mode as he tried to find a way to stop the onslaught. By the final minute of the round, Yahya was visibly limping and unable to properly check or avoid the incoming leg kicks.
Recognizing his opponent's compromised state, Fernandes expertly transitioned his attack to the head. With just 15 seconds remaining in the round, he connected with a crisp two-punch combination—a left hook followed by a hard right hand—that sent the hobbled Yahya crashing to the canvas. Fernandes immediately followed him to the ground, landing a series of hammerfists and punches that prompted referee Marc Goddard to step in and halt the contest at the 4:45 mark.
The stoppage marked the sixth first-round finish of Fernandes' career and showcased the devastating effectiveness of his Muay Thai-based striking. In a near-shutout performance, Fernandes outstruck Yahya 37-4 in total strikes, thoroughly dominating every exchange.
In his post-fight interview, Fernandes emphasized his well-rounded game despite the leg-kick-heavy strategy. "I have these legs. I've trained all my life, not only for this fight. Not only leg kicks, medium kicks, high kicks, spinning kicks. I need to show my kicks, but I knocked him down with my hands. I have a full game—not just leg kicks," he explained, demonstrating his awareness that he needs to showcase versatility to advance in the ultra-competitive lightweight division.
The loss dropped Yahya to 12-5 overall and 0-2 in the UFC, a disappointing result for the fighter who had hoped to give his home fans something to celebrate. The brutal nature of the defeat raised questions about his future with the promotion.
Shamil Gaziev (Russia) defeats Don'Tale Mayes (USA) via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Russian heavyweight Shamil Gaziev rebounded from a tough loss to Jairzinho Rozenstruik with a clear-cut unanimous decision victory over Don'Tale Mayes. All three judges scored the bout 30-27 in favor of Gaziev, who improved to 13-1 overall, with Mayes dropping to 11-7 with one no contest.
The victory was crucial for the 28-year-old Gaziev, who had suffered a main event knockout loss to Rozenstruik in his second UFC appearance. By getting back in the win column against the durable Mayes, Gaziev demonstrated his ability to rebound from adversity and showed improved patience and fight IQ.
Mayes, who stands 6'5" and typically uses his length advantage to control distance, found himself outworked throughout the 15-minute contest. The loss extended his struggles inside the Octagon, dropping his promotional record to 4-5 with one no contest through 10 UFC starts. The defeat represented Mayes' third loss in his last four outings, putting his roster spot in jeopardy.
Guram Kutateladze (Georgia) defeats Jordan Vucenic (United Kingdom) via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
In a competitive lightweight bout that came together on short notice, Georgian veteran Guram "The Viking" Kutateladze edged British newcomer Jordan Vucenic via unanimous decision. All three judges scored the back-and-forth affair 29-28 for Kutateladze, who snapped a two-fight losing streak to improve to 2-2 in the UFC.
The fight began explosively with Vucenic dominating the opening round in his UFC debut. The former Cage Warriors featherweight champion, competing at 155 pounds for the first time, boxed up the more experienced Kutateladze and even scored a knockdown at one point. The British fighter's success led many observers to believe an upset was brewing.
However, the seasoned Kutateladze made crucial adjustments in round two. He opened a cut on Vucenic with a well-placed elbow, began battering the body with kicks and punches, and successfully implemented his wrestling game. The tactical shift completely changed the complexion of the fight as "The Georgian Viking" took control.
The third round proved pivotal. A tactical miscue by Vucenic allowed Kutateladze to take his back, where the Georgian spent the final two and a half minutes in complete control. From back mount, Kutateladze landed short shots while maintaining dominant position, effectively shutting down any late rally attempts by the British fighter.
For Vucenic, the loss was a disappointing UFC debut despite his strong start. The 9-2 fighter showed flashes of brilliance but ultimately couldn't maintain his early success against a veteran with superior grappling. Kutateladze's victory was significant as it prevented him from falling to 1-3 in the promotion and potentially facing his release.
Sam Hughes (USA) defeats Viktoriia Dudakova (Russia) via Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 27-30)
In a closely contested women's strawweight bout, American fighter Sam Hughes handed undefeated Russian prospect Viktoriia Dudakova her first professional loss via split decision. Two judges scored the fight 29-28 for Hughes, while one saw it 27-30 (30-27 in Dudakova's favor), resulting in Hughes improving her record while halting Dudakova's perfect start.
The 25-year-old Dudakova had entered the fight with an unblemished 8-0 record and was riding a two-fight winning streak in the UFC. The Russian striker had impressed in her previous octagon appearances and was viewed as a rising prospect who could potentially crack the strawweight rankings with another victory. However, Hughes' experience and tactical approach proved to be the difference.
Hughes utilized effective cage control and consistent pressure throughout the 15 minutes, negating many of Dudakova's striking advantages. The competitive nature of the fight was reflected in the split decision, with both fighters having legitimate arguments for victory. The loss represented a learning experience for Dudakova while giving Hughes a significant win to build momentum.
Jai Herbert (United Kingdom) defeats Rolando Bedoya (Peru) via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
British lightweight veteran Jai "The Black Country Banger" Herbert got back in the win column with a clear unanimous decision over Rolando Bedoya, who was making his lightweight debut after previously competing at welterweight. Two judges scored the fight 30-27 while one saw it 29-28, all in favor of the 36-year-old Herbert.
The fight showcased Herbert's superior technical striking and experience against the durable but outmatched Peruvian. Herbert effectively utilized his length, speed, and sharper technique to out-land Bedoya throughout the contest. While the young Peruvian landed some quality shots that marked up Herbert's face, "The Black Country Banger" remained the more active and effective fighter across all three rounds.
Herbert connected consistently with straight shots inside Bedoya's looping swings, demonstrating the technical superiority that has made him a fixture in the UFC's lightweight division. The victory was important for Herbert, who needed to stop any potential slide in the ultra-competitive 155-pound weight class.
For Bedoya, the loss in his lightweight debut was a setback, though his durability and heart were on full display. The result highlighted the significant adjustment required when moving down a weight class to face naturally smaller but more technical opponents.
The Early Prelims - UFC on ABC 7: Sandhagen vs Nurmagomedov
Sedriques Dumas (USA) defeats Denis Tiuliulin (Russia) via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
The card opened with middleweight action as Dana White's Contender Series alumnus Sedriques "The Reaper" Dumas earned a much-needed victory over struggling Russian Denis Tiuliulin. Two judges scored it 29-28 while one saw it more clearly at 30-27, all favoring the 28-year-old American who improved to 10-2 overall and 3-2 in the UFC.
Dumas, fighting out of Pensacola, Florida, showcased a smart, varied approach across the three rounds. In the opening frame, he focused heavily on grappling, looking to exploit Tiuliulin's demonstrated weakness on the canvas. The strategy proved effective as Dumas controlled position and landed ground strikes.
In the second and early third rounds, Dumas mixed in more striking, working behind a sharp jab to keep the Russian at distance while setting up his takedowns. When he sensed Tiuliulin looking for a late rally, Dumas tactically navigated the final minutes to secure the victory on all three scorecards.
The win was critical for Dumas, who had his two-fight winning streak snapped in his previous outing against Nursulton Ruziboev in Atlantic City. That fight was marred by multiple eye pokes that Dumas suffered, including one just before the finishing sequence, making this rebound victory especially satisfying.
For the 36-year-old Tiuliulin, the loss extended his nightmare run in the UFC to four consecutive defeats, dropping his promotional record to a dismal 1-5. All five of his UFC losses have come by way of stoppage, with four ending in the first round. The Russian now faces an almost certain release from the organization barring a complete turnaround in his next opportunity, if he receives one.
Event Summary and Aftermath
UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs Nurmagomedov delivered on its promise of high-stakes bantamweight action while providing memorable moments throughout the card. The 13-fight event produced six finishes—four knockouts/TKOs and two submissions—giving fans a healthy 46% finish rate that kept the energy high at Etihad Arena.
Performance Bonuses
UFC officials awarded four post-fight bonuses of $50,000 each:
- Fight of the Night: Shara Magomedov vs. Michał Oleksiejczuk ($50,000 each)
- Performance of the Night: Joel Alvarez (TKO of Elves Brener)
- Performance of the Night: Azamat Murzakanov (KO of Alonzo Menifield)
The total bonus payout of $200,000 demonstrated the UFC's satisfaction with the action delivered by the fighters, particularly coming off the previous week's UFC 304 card that was criticized for featuring too many decision victories.
Divisional Implications
Bantamweight: Umar Nurmagomedov's victory firmly established him as the next title challenger, with UFC president Dana White confirming that "Young Eagle" would face the winner of Sean O'Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306 in September. Deiveson Figueiredo's win over Marlon Vera positioned him as a potential backup or next challenger after Nurmagomedov.
Middleweight: Shara Magomedov's third consecutive UFC victory likely earns him a step up against a ranked opponent, with the promotion clearly viewing the one-eyed Russian as a future contender.
Lightweight: Joel Alvarez's spectacular finish and subsequent callout of Bobby Green set up a potential entertaining striker-versus-striker matchup. Azamat Murzakanov's knockout at light heavyweight positions him for a potential top-10 opponent in his next outing.
Welterweight: Tony Ferguson's record-setting eighth straight loss led to widespread calls for his retirement, with many in the MMA community—including UFC president Dana White—suggesting it's time for "El Cucuy" to walk away for his own health and safety.
Notable Moments
The event will be remembered for several significant storylines beyond the fights themselves. Tony Ferguson's emotional post-fight speech, where he laid down only one glove while refusing to fully commit to retirement, provided one of the most poignant moments in recent UFC history. The absence of Nick Diaz from the co-main event due to travel issues disappointed many fans who had hoped to see the Stockton legend return to action.
The event also marked the UFC's continued investment in the Abu Dhabi market, with plans already in place for UFC 308 to return to Etihad Arena in October 2024. The afternoon start time for the American broadcast provided a fan-friendly viewing experience, contrasting sharply with the criticized late-night scheduling of UFC 304 in Manchester the previous week.
UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs Nurmagomedov successfully achieved its primary objective—crowning a clear number-one contender at bantamweight while delivering exciting action throughout the card. As the promotion continues its global expansion, events like this demonstrate the depth of talent on the roster and the UFC's ability to create compelling matchups even on non-pay-per-view cards.
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