Cory Sandhagen and Umar Nurmagomedov are all set to take on each other in one of the most stacked UFC Fight Night ever. The winner of the fight will have a chance of becoming a bantamweight champion shortly. Sandhagen (17-4) is never afraid of challenging himself inside the Octagon and will now be facing the undefeated boogeyman of the division.

Nurmagomedov (17-0) is currently ranked #10 in the division. He is looking to replicate the same success of his cousin Khabib Nurmagomedov. However, he holds a lot of similarities with Sean O’Malley as he eyes a title shot next.

Umar Nurmagomedov trying to follow in the footsteps of Sean O’Malley in the division

It was the year 2022, when ‘Suga’ was ranked #11 in the bantamweight division. He took on the former bantamweight champion and the then-number-one contender Petr Yan at UFC 280. O’Malley impressed one and all with his performance and won the fight via split decision. The win then pushed O’Malley for the title, which he eventually won at UFC 292. Despite being out of the top 10 ‘Suga’ got a nod ahead from the rest of the fighters. It seems ‘Young Eagle’ is also doing the same. He currently sits at the 10th spot, but a win will let him fight for the title next.

The winner of the clash will challenge for the title after Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili fight it out at UFC 306. We now shift our focus to the upcoming bantamweight clash at UFC Fight Night. Sandhagen is one of the elite strikers in the division and is looking to get back to title contention. However, the 28-year-old is confident that he can win the fight.

While speaking to CBS Sport he said, “He’s a top guy. He’s a tough guy and a technical striker. I don’t think it’s going to be an easy fight, but it won’t be too hard…”. 

If the Dagestani fighter wins his next clash, he will be following the same road map as Sean O’Malley and will be challenging for the title. While their journey might be the same, the 28-year-old doesn’t quite respect the champion. Before his fight, he shared an honest opinion on what he feels about O’Malley.

Umar Nurmagomedov feels ashamed to call Sean O’Malley a champion

“With Sean[O’Malley], I will do whatever I want,” these were the exact words of ‘Young Eagle’ when he was asked about the champion. Nurmagomedov is slowly but surely inching towards a title shot next. But it seems the 28-year-old isn’t quite impressed with the champion and particularly his behavior. While speaking to former dual champion Daniel Cormier on his YouTube channel, he shared his honest opinion about the champion.

Nurmagomedov said, “I think we, me and him, are from two different worlds.” O’Malley is known for his charismatic attitude outside the Octagon and often uploads videos on his social media to keep the fans entertained. While many enjoy the champion’s videos, ‘Young Eagle’ isn’t quite a fan of O’Malley.

He further pointed out the difference between the two and said, “You know, he’s about funny stuff, and I don’t know, it’s a little bit… I don’t know what, different. Uh, guys, I’m ashamed to say we have the same champion, you know.” O’Malley is currently busy preparing himself for his upcoming clash at UFC 306. This will be his second title defense after successfully defending it at UFC 299.

It, however, will now be interesting to see what happens next in the bantamweight division. Who do you think will challenge ‘Suga’ for the title? Let us know your pick in the comments below.