Cory Sandhagen points to Islam Makhachev as large reason he’s an underdog against Umar Nurmagomedov: “Part of the narrative"

Cory Sandhagen is scheduled to travel to enemy territory to face off against highly touted contender Umar Nurmagomedov on Aug. 3. The pair will clash in the main event of UFC Abu Dhabi.

'The Sandman' is currently ranked No. 2 in the bantamweight division. His opponent, meanwhile, occupies the No. 10 spot. Despite their difference in ranking, Sandhagen will enter the bout as a +200 underdog.

Ahead of the UFC Abu Dhabi clash, the American was interviewed by Sportskeeda MMA's James Lynch. While discussing his underdog status, Sandhagen pointed to Islam Makhachev as a large contributing factor to him being at +200.

The bantamweight contender said this:

"Yeah, that's okay. Islam [Makhachev] is doing well, that definitely has a lot to do with it. Just them being intertwined, I think it's still the big Dagestani narrative is still going on. And they are incredible fighters too, there's definitely a lot of truth to the narrative."

He continued:

"But making them sound unbeatable is definitely not a true part of the narrative. There's just that going on. Yeah, I don't weigh that too much. Usually I think I'm the favorite, but I'm okay with being an [underdog] every once in a while too."

Watch Cory Sandhagen's interview below (2:30):

---

Cory Sandhagen shares strong prediction for fight against Umar Nurmagomedov

Cory Sandhagen will welcome Umar Nurmagomedov to the upper echelon of the bantamweight division when the pair met in the main event of an exciting UFC Abu Dhabi card this August.

Nurmagomedov currently holds an undefeated record of 17-0 and is 5-0 inside the octagon. But, 'The Sandman' is eager to spoil the party in the Middle East and plans on putting on a statement-making performance.

During his interview with Sportskeeda MMA, the No. 2-ranked contender shared a confident prediction for fight night, saying:

"As long as I work my a** off I could definitely get a finish in this one... I want this fight to be one that drops people's jaws. I want people to be like, 'Wow, Cory is that good. Man, I didn't know Cory could grapple like that. I didn't know that he could fundamentally break someone down in striking the way that he did.'"

He continued:

"I also think the additions that I've made since my elbow's been hurt are going to play a big factor in this. I definitely added some heat onto a lot of things..."