By Safeer MS
Dana White has announced a thrilling main card for UFC on ABC 7, set to take place on August 3 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE. This event promises a mix of seasoned veterans, exciting contenders, and rising stars. Here's a breakdown of the main card:
Main Event: Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov
Division: Bantamweight
Implications: Number one contender fight
Cory Sandhagen and Umar Nurmagomedov will battle for the chance to challenge the winner of the anticipated title fight between Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili. Sandhagen, known for his dynamic striking and versatility, faces Nurmagomedov, a grappling specialist and cousin of Khabib Nurmagomedov. This fight is crucial for both fighters as it could lead to a title shot, making it a high-stakes contest.
Co-Main Event: Nick Diaz vs. Vicente Luque
Division: Welterweight
In a surprising matchup, Nick Diaz returns to the octagon against Vicente Luque. Diaz, a fan favorite, last fought at UFC 266, where he lost to Robbie Lawler. Luque, ranked 14th at lightweight, is coming off a TKO loss to Joaquin Buckley. This fight marks Diaz's unexpected return and offers Luque a chance to rebound and gain significant attention by facing a legend.
Marlon Vera vs. Deiveson Figueiredo
Division: Bantamweight
Former title challenger Marlon Vera will look to bounce back against former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo, who is 2-0 since moving up to bantamweight. Vera recently lost to Sean O’Malley in a title fight, while Figueiredo is coming off a submission victory over Cody Garbrandt. This bout features two aggressive fighters with knockout power and submission skills, promising an action-packed contest.
Tony Ferguson vs. Michael Chiesa
Division: Welterweight
The main card opener features former interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson against Michael Chiesa. Ferguson is on a seven-fight losing streak, with his latest loss to Paddy Pimblett at UFC 296. Chiesa is also seeking redemption after three consecutive losses, the latest to Kevin Holland. Dana White has confirmed that this will be Ferguson’s retirement fight, adding emotional significance to the bout.
Mackenzie Dern vs. Loopy Godinez
Division: Strawweight
In the only female bout on the card, 7th-ranked Mackenzie Dern faces 10th-ranked Loopy Godinez. Dern is on a two-fight losing streak, most recently defeated by Amanda Lemos. Godinez had her four-fight winning streak snapped by Virna Jandiroba. This matchup between two highly skilled grapplers could have significant implications for the strawweight rankings.
Overall Outlook
UFC on ABC 7 promises to deliver a night of memorable fights with high stakes for the competitors involved. From title contention battles to potential retirement send-offs, each fight offers a unique storyline:
- Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov: Potentially determining the next bantamweight title challenger.
- Diaz vs. Luque: Nick Diaz's surprising return against a tough contender.
- Vera vs. Figueiredo: A clash between a former title challenger and a former champion in a new weight class.
- Ferguson vs. Chiesa: An emotional farewell for Tony Ferguson in a must-win fight for both veterans.
- Dern vs. Godinez: A pivotal strawweight bout with ranking implications.
The event at Etihad Arena is set to be a night of high drama and intense competition, reflecting the depth and excitement of UFC's talent pool.
