Umar Nurmagomedov (right)(image via UFC / YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Umar Nurmagomedov took a big step towards fighting for the UFC’s bantamweight title on Saturday, by working his way to a victory over Cory Sandhagen.

Although Sandhagen was able to negate much of Nurmagomedov’s wrestling and top game early on, the latter outscored the longtime contender throughout the fight, and recorded a unanimous decision win.

After his victory, Nurmagomedov (18-0) called for a title shot. Bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley is scheduled to fight Merab Dvalishvili on September 14th at UFC 306.

Tony Ferguson incurred his eighth straight loss at the event, as he was submitted in the opening frame by welterweight, Michael Chiesa. For a few moments, it looked like the 40-year-old was about to announce his retirement, as he had taken both gloves off and Chiesa cut short his post-fight interview.

But, the former interim lightweight champ announced he’s keeping one glove in case he decides to fight again.

Here are the complete results for the UFC’s latest card in Abu Dhabi.

Umar Nurmagomedov def. Cory Sandhagen via unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46, 49-46)
Shara Magomedov def. Michal Oleksiejczuk via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Deiveson Figueiredo def. Marlon Vera via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Michael Chiesa def. Tony Ferguson via submission (rear-naked choke) – R1, 3:44
Mackenzie Dern def. Loopy Godinez via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Joel Alvarez def. Elves Brener via TKO (knees) – R3, 3:36
Azamat Murzakanov def. Alonzo Menifield via knockout (punches) – Round 2, 3:18
Kaue Fernandes def. Mohammad Yahya via TKO (punches) – R1, 4:45
Shamil Gaziev def. Don’Tale Mayes via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Guram Kutateladze def. Jordan Vucenic via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Sam Hughes def. Viktoriia Dudakova via split decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28)
Jai Herbert def. Rolando Bedoya via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Sedriques Dumas def. Denis Tiuliulin via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

Results via MMA Junkie.com.