Watch UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov — Prelims Free.

What's at Stake

The preliminary card for this high-profile event serves as a crucial proving ground for rising contenders and hungry prospects looking to break into the official divisional rankings. With the spotlight shining bright ahead of the marquee bantamweight headliner, impressive performances on the prelims can fast-track athletes toward main-card opportunities and lucrative future matchups. For many of these fighters, a decisive victory is the difference between securing their spot on the roster and falling back into the crowded regional circuits.

Head-to-Head

The preliminary matchups feature a diverse mix of international talent, showcasing contrasting styles ranging from elite Dagestani wrestling to explosive striking. Most of the scheduled bouts present fresh pairings where competitors are looking to build upon recent winning streaks or bounce back from narrow decision losses. Momentum is key, as several athletes enter the octagon boasting undefeated regional records, while their veteran opponents rely on cage experience and past battles against shared opposition to gain the upper hand.

Key Players to Watch

• Shamil Gaziev — The heavyweight prospect aims to utilize his imposing physical frame and dominant grappling to control the pace of his bout.
• Guram Kutateladze — Known for his technical striking and high-octane pace, he looks to re-establish himself as a dangerous threat in the lightweight division.
• Victoria Dudakova — The undefeated strawweight prospect seeks to showcase her evolving submission game and maintain her perfect professional record.

Prediction

Expect a highly competitive set of preliminary bouts, with a majority of the fights being decided by the judges' scorecards due to the durable matchmaking. Technical grapplers who can dictate where the fight takes place are likely to find the most success, neutralizing the explosive strikers on the canvas. Ultimately, the more experienced fighters on the roster should edge out the newcomers in close, hard-fought split decisions.