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Bantamweights collide when Cory Sandhagen and Umar Nurmagomedov face off in Abu Dhabi. 

Sandhagen is 10-3 in the UFC and is on a three-fight win streak. It is his first fight in a year, as he tore his right triceps against Rob Font in August 2023. Umar is the cousin of former UFC lightweight champion and Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov. H is 6-0 in the UFC and looks to go 2-0 in 2024.

The card also features several veterans and potential contenders.

Nick Diaz returns to action to face Vicente Luque. Diaz, a former Strikeforce and WEC welterweight champion, fights for the first time since 2021. He lost against Robbie Lawler in a fight that was his first contest since 2015. Ranked 13th in the welterweight rankings, Luque is 1-3 in his last four fights.

MORE: Ranked: The 25 best MMA fighters under the age of 25

Former interim UFC lightweight champion Tony Ferguson looks to end a seven-fight win streak against Michael Chiesa, who is on a three-fight losing streak. Meanwhile, former UFC bantamweight title contender Marlon Vera faces former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo, while multi-time gold medalist grappler Mackenzie Dern faces Loopy Godinez.

Below is all the information you need to catch UFC Abu Dhabi.

UFC Abu Dhabi start time

  • Date: Saturday,  August 3
  • Start time: 3 p.m. ET (12 p.m. ET prelims) | 12 p.m. PT
  • Location: Etihad Arena (Abu Dhabi)

The prelims for UFC Abu Dhabi begin at 12 p.m. ET. The main card starts at 3 p.m. ET. Sandhagen and Nurmagomedov should make their way to the octagon around 6:30 p.m. ET, depending on how long the undercard fights last.

How to watch UFC Abu Dhabi for free

The prelims, starting at 12 p.m. ET, will air on ESPN+. The UFC Abu Dhabi main card is available on ESPN+ and ABC in the U.S. It will also be streamed via Fubo which offers a free trial.

UFC Abu Dhabi fight card, odds

Main Card

  • Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov; Bantamweights
  • Vicente Luque vs. Nick Diaz; Welterweights
  • Marlon Vera vs. Deiveson Figueiredo; Bantamweights
  • Tony Ferguson vs. Michael Chiesa; Welterweights
  • Mackenzie Dern vs. Loopy Godinez; Strawweights
  • Joel Alvarez vs. Elves Brenner; Lightweights

Prelims

  • Alonzo Menifield vs. Azamat Murzakanov; Light Heavyweights
  • Mohammad Yahya vs. Kaue Fernandes; Lightweights
  • Shamil Gaziev vs. Don'Tale Mayes; Heavyweights
  • Guram Kutateladze vs. Jordan Vucenic; Lightweights
  • Victoria Dudakova vs. Sam Hughes; Strawweights
  • Jai Herbert vs. Rolando Bedoya; Lightweights
  • Sedriques Dumas vs. Denis Tiuliulin; Middleweights

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Author(s)
Daniel Yanofsky Photo

Daniel Yanofsky is the Combat Sports Editor for The Sporting News since late 2021. Prior to working for TSN, Daniel provided insight on combat sports for Fightful, FIGHT SPORTS, and Wrestling Inc. A proud Ithaca College alum, when he isn’t working on his golf game, Daniel is advocating for three-minute rounds in women's boxing.

You can follow him on Twitter via @DanYanofsky.