Abubakar Nurmagomedov
Russia
Crushing split decision defeat
Nurmagomedov lost to Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 28-29) at UFC on ESPN 46 on Saturday in Las Vegas.
ANALYSIS
It's a crushing setback for the 33-year-old long time PFL/WSOF standout. In a fight that was lined up as a pick 'em, Nurmagomedov started quickly before slowly fading. He certainly appeared to do enough to win Round 1, although one of the judges gave the frame to Zaleski dos Santos, which ended up costing Nurmagomedov the fight. Seemingly out of gas late, Abubakar failed on all six of his Round 3 takedown attempts, providing a horrific visual as the final bell rang. Nurmagomedov has more ability than his 2-2 UFC record would lead you to believe, but he's at a stage in his career in which he needs to figure out a way to emerge victorious in fights such as this one which are there for the taking.
It's a crushing setback for the 33-year-old long time PFL/WSOF standout. In a fight that was lined up as a pick 'em, Nurmagomedov started quickly before slowly fading. He certainly appeared to do enough to win Round 1, although one of the judges gave the frame to Zaleski dos Santos, which ended up costing Nurmagomedov the fight. Seemingly out of gas late, Abubakar failed on all six of his Round 3 takedown attempts, providing a horrific visual as the final bell rang. Nurmagomedov has more ability than his 2-2 UFC record would lead you to believe, but he's at a stage in his career in which he needs to figure out a way to emerge victorious in fights such as this one which are there for the taking.
Fight Log
Loading Fight Log...
More Fantasy News
Booked for UFC Vegas 74
Nurmagomedov (illness) will take on Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos at UFC Vegas 74 on June 3, Guilherme Cruz of MMAFighting.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Nurmagomedov had to withdraw from his previously scheduled bout against Carlston Harris at UFC Vegas 71 in March due to an illness. Now that his health is presumably back up to par, he will take his 2-1 record with the company and look to improve on it against Zaleski. His veteran opponent is returning from a suspension and has won nine of his previous 11 fights.
Nurmagomedov had to withdraw from his previously scheduled bout against Carlston Harris at UFC Vegas 71 in March due to an illness. Now that his health is presumably back up to par, he will take his 2-1 record with the company and look to improve on it against Zaleski. His veteran opponent is returning from a suspension and has won nine of his previous 11 fights.
Fight called off
Nurmagomedov will no longer fight Carlston Harris at UFC Vegas 71 on March 11, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
Nurmagomedov is reportedly dealing with an illness that is withholding Nurmagomedov from fighting Saturday. At this time, it is unknown if the fight will be rescheduled to a later date.
Nurmagomedov is reportedly dealing with an illness that is withholding Nurmagomedov from fighting Saturday. At this time, it is unknown if the fight will be rescheduled to a later date.
Facing Harris at UFC Vegas 71
Nurmagomedov will take on Carlston Harris at UFC Vegas 71 on March 11, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
Nurmagomedov will be seeking his third straight victory after defeating Gadzhi Omargadzhiev last October and Jared Gooden back in March of 2021. Harris is looking to avenge a loss at the hands of Shavkat Rakhmonov last February.
Nurmagomedov will be seeking his third straight victory after defeating Gadzhi Omargadzhiev last October and Jared Gooden back in March of 2021. Harris is looking to avenge a loss at the hands of Shavkat Rakhmonov last February.
Second straight victory
Nurmagomedov defeated Gadzhi Omargadzhiev via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27) at UFC 280 on Saturday in Abu Dhabi.
ANALYSIS
This fight didn't feel anywhere near as close as the numbers suggested it was. Nurmagomedov actually lost the total strike battle by a 79-76 count. Both men landed one takedown. The difference in the bout came in the terms of Nurmagomedov's 7:55 worth of control time. The vast majority of that came over the course of the first two rounds, and with Omargadzhiev tiring as the fight progressed, Abubakar was able to cruise to an easy decision win. Nurmagomedov has now picked up back-to-back unanimous decision victories on the heels of a submission loss to David Zawada in his company debut in November 2019.
This fight didn't feel anywhere near as close as the numbers suggested it was. Nurmagomedov actually lost the total strike battle by a 79-76 count. Both men landed one takedown. The difference in the bout came in the terms of Nurmagomedov's 7:55 worth of control time. The vast majority of that came over the course of the first two rounds, and with Omargadzhiev tiring as the fight progressed, Abubakar was able to cruise to an easy decision win. Nurmagomedov has now picked up back-to-back unanimous decision victories on the heels of a submission loss to David Zawada in his company debut in November 2019.
Fighting at UFC 280
Nurmagomedov will take on Gadzhi Omargadzhiev at UFC 280 on Oct. 22, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
Nurmagomedov had to withdraw from a fight in July that was scheduled against Philip Rowe due to visa issues. Hopefully he will be able to get that squared away to fight at UFC 280. He has not fought since March of 2021 when he beat Jared Gooden by unanimous decision.
Nurmagomedov had to withdraw from a fight in July that was scheduled against Philip Rowe due to visa issues. Hopefully he will be able to get that squared away to fight at UFC 280. He has not fought since March of 2021 when he beat Jared Gooden by unanimous decision.