Umar Nurmagomedov’s dominant performance at UFC Abu Dhabi has certainly put him on the map as a rising star in the bantamweight division. With an undefeated record of 18-0, Nurmagomedov’s victory over Cory Sandhagen has solidified his position as the No. 1 contender for the bantamweight title. Moving forward, Nurmagomedov’s path seems clear – a title shot against the current champion should be next on the horizon.
There is speculation about a potential matchup between Nurmagomedov and the winner of the Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili fight at UFC 306. While Nurmagomedov’s title shot seems inevitable, a fight against O’Malley or Dvalishvili could be an exciting prospect for fans. The clash of styles and skills between Nurmagomedov and either of these fighters could make for an intriguing bout in the bantamweight division.
Following his defeat to Nurmagomedov, Cory Sandhagen finds himself in a challenging position. However, at 32 years old, Sandhagen still has time to make a comeback. A potential matchup with former champion Henry Cejudo could provide Sandhagen with an opportunity to climb back up the ranks. Cejudo’s experience and skill set could pose an interesting challenge for Sandhagen as he looks to work his way back to title contention.
Despite coming off a win, Deiveson Figueiredo could be a viable option for a matchup with Sandhagen. Stylistically, this fight has the potential to excite fans and make sense for the division. While the UFC typically matches fighters coming off wins or losses, an exception for this matchup could generate significant interest among fans and within the bantamweight division.
After an impressive victory over Michal Oleksiejczuk, Shara Magomedov faces questions about his next opponent. While a callout of Nick Diaz may have missed the mark, a potential fight with Kelvin Gastelum could be more fitting. Gastelum’s name recognition and status within the division could elevate Magomedov’s profile and set the stage for an entertaining matchup. Additionally, a fight against Jack Hermansson, ranked No. 9 in the division, could provide Magomedov with an opportunity to prove himself against a top contender.
As Magomedov looks to solidify his position in the division, a matchup with the loser of the Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili fight could be a strategic move. While the UFC typically avoids matching winners with losers, this fight could help Magomedov establish himself as a top contender. Alternatively, a potential fight with wild card contender, Sandhagen, could also present an intriguing challenge for Magomedov as he continues his ascent in the bantamweight division.
Moving to the women’s division, Yan Xiaonan emerges as a potential opponent for Marina Rodriguez. With several contenders ranked ahead of her, including Tatiana Suarez, the landscape of the division presents challenges for fighters like Dern. A rematch between Dern and Yan, who previously fought in 2022, could offer Dern a chance at redemption and a path towards title contention. Additionally, a potential matchup with Jessica Andrade, who holds a win over Dern, could provide Dern with an opportunity to avenge her losses and work her way up the rankings.
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