Michael Bisping praises Cory Sandhagen for risking his rating vs. Umar Nurmagomedov.
Sandhagen (17-4 MMA, 10-3 UFC) takes on Nurmagomedov (17-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC) within the UFC on ABC 7 fundamental occasion, which takes place Aug. 3 at Etihad Area in Abu Dhabi.
After Merab Dvalishvili will get his shot at UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley, Bisping expects the following No. 1 contender to emerge out of the winner between Sandhagen and Nurmagomedov.
“Relating to contenders, Cory Sandhagen is correct there,” Bisping advised TNT Sports activities. “He has confirmed himself because the worthy man, however he’s acquired to proceed combating to ascertain himself and get that shot. There is no such thing as a one higher, there’s nobody hungrier, there’s no yet one more plain than Umar Nurmagomedov.
“In fact with that final identify, with the resume, the undefeated document and the well-rounded expertise. (He’s) Dagestani – we all know the wrestling is there. However the man is a kickboxing phenom, as effectively. It is a large struggle. In fact, it’s the principle occasion and whoever wins this, they should be subsequent for Sean O’Malley.”
Bisping thinks each Sandhagen and Nurmagomedov have lots to lose, nevertheless it’s No. 2 ranked UFC bantamweight Sandhagen who’s combating somebody ranked eight spots beneath him.
“It’s sort of a nasty state of affairs for each of them,” Bisping stated. “On paper, they’re each proper there. Cory Sandhagen has earned a title struggle. Do not forget that absolute washout he had of (Marlon) ‘Chito’ Vera? No disrespect to ‘Chito’ – he’s an excellent pal of mine – however Cory Sandhagen was only one step forward. He’s an exquisite striker. He’s acquired nice submissions. He’s acquired glorious wrestling. He’s very tall and lengthy for the division.
“He’s crushed some nice competitors, and now he’s going to tackle the undefeated Dagestani with a ton of hype and an important final identify. So I sort of really feel for Cory Sandhagen, however credit score to this man, kudos to him, as a result of he’s keen to do it. He’s keen to threat all of it to go up in opposition to Umar Nurmagomedov. It’s a sensational struggle.”
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