Umar Nurmagomedov wants Cory Sandhagen during UFC International Fight Week: “I can finish him, I’m serious – not because I’m cocky”

Following a successful return to the Octagon against Bekzat Almakhan this past Saturday, Umar Nurmagomedov wants to settle things with Cory Sandhagen.

Nurmagomedov and Sandhagen were set to collide back in August 2023, but Umar was forced to pull out due to an injury suffered during training camp. He hopes to have the fight rebooked, and even has a date in mind.

If it doesn’t work out that way, however, then Umar’s plan is to simply stay active.

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Umar Nurmagomedov Wants Cory Sandhagen Next

Nurmagomedov’s media scrum was held after he emerged victorious against Bekzat. Speaking to reporters, Umar said his hope is to have the fight with Cory Sandhagen rescheduled for a big event (via MMAJunkie).

“I talk because I know what job they did – I know other guys what they are doing,” Nurmagomedov said. “The way I’m talking, I can smash and I can finish Petr Yan. I’m serious. When I talk about Cory Sandhagen, that I can finish him, I’m serious – not because I’m cocky or something like that. No, guys, I have very good team. Look at my team. We have three or four guys who are lightweight champions. Who else’s team has that? Nobody.

“Next is Cory Sandhagen. He (wants to) fight me on International (Fight Week). If he don’t want to and somebody else, I don’t care. I really don’t care.”

Such a fight would be a huge opportunity for Umar to prove that the hype is indeed real. Nurmagomedov had a shaky start in his bout with Bekzat, getting dropped early. Umar didn’t let the knockdown deter him, however, as he handled business for three rounds to earn the unanimous decision victory. We’ll see how the UFC reacts to Umar’s suggestion to rebook the Sandhagen fight.