"Earns his title shot" - Aljamain Sterling, Henry Cejudo, and others react to Umar Nurmagomedov's dominant UFC Abu Dhabi win

Umar Nurmagomedov passed the test of his first main event with flying colors registering a unanimous decision win over Cory Sandhagen. With this victory, the young Dagestani fighter has practically guaranteed himself a title shot next, backed by the support of several UFC stars.

Through the course of the five-round bout, Nurmagomedov offered a thorough exhibition of his dynamic skillset. He beat Sandhagen to the punch during several exchanges while also scoring with his kicks.

However, it was his wrestling prowess that ultimately proved to be the differentiator, as he bagged a unanimous decision win by scores of 50-45, 49-46, and 49-46 against the most difficult test of his professional career so far.

The victory perhaps has sealed a title shot for Nurmagomedov against the winner of the upcoming bantamweight title fight between champion Sean O'Malley and Merab Dvalishvili at Noche UFC.

Several MMA stars took to X to react to Nurmagomedov's win. Former UFC two-division champion Henry Cejudo wrote:

"What impressed me the most about Umar were all the late takedowns at the end to seal the round. He’s a dangerous competitor and understands his surroundings."

Former 135-pound king Aljamain Sterling wrote:

"High-level fight men. Great showing for the bantamweights and how skilled it is. Umar earns his title shot IMO [in my opinion]."

Meanwhile, former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman asserted:

"Great fight. Umar is the truth! Title shot next."

Check out some of the best reactions below:

Pros react to Umar Nurmagomedov's win over Cory Sandhagen. [Images courtesy: Fighter accounts on X]

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Umar Nurmagomedov calls for title shot following win over Cory Sandhagen at UFC Abu Dhabi

Umar Nurmagomedov thoroughly outclassed No.2-ranked bantamweight contender Cory Sandhagen in a unanimous decision win at UFC Abu Dhabi and seemingly punched his ticket to the championship opportunity next.

The undefeated fighter bolstered his unblemished record to six straight wins in the Las Vegas-based promotion. Nurmagomedov called for his shot to compete for the bantamweight throne next against the winner of the Sean O'Malley and Merab Dvalishvili clash at Noche UFC. Speaking at the post-fight octagon interview, he said:

"I don't worry who is going to win [between those two]. It doesn't matter. Just give me title shot. O'Malley, Merab, someone else, it doesn't matter. Now, talk about how I haven't beat anybody. Cory was [ranked No. 2]. Now you can cry. I'm coming for you."

Catch Umar Nurmagomedov's comments below: