UFC CEO Dana White has revealed an action-packed main card for the upcoming UFC Fight Night on August 3 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, announcing the matchups on his social media channels. The event features a series of compelling bouts, including a high-stakes clash between Cory Sandhagen and Umar Nurmagomedov, positioned as a No. 1 contender fight for the bantamweight division.
Sandhagen, entering the ring after a year-long hiatus due to a tricep injury, will face Nurmagomedov, an unbeaten fighter heralded by White as the division’s top prospect. This matchup is a rescheduling of their planned fight from last year, which was postponed due to Nurmagomedov’s injury.
The co-main event will see MMA veteran Nick Diaz make his long-awaited return to the welterless class against Vicente Luque, who is eager to rebound from a recent defeat. Diaz, fighting at 170 pounds for the first time since 2013, aims to recapture his past success against the formidable Luque.
Additionally, the main card features a pivotal bantamweight bout between Marlon “Chito” Vera and former flyweight champion Deiveison Figueiredo, with both fighters aiming to advance in the title race. Vera seeks redemption following a loss to Sean O’Malley, while Figueiredo aims to continue his success in the bantamweight division.
In the women’s strawweight division, Mackenzie Dern faces Loopy Godinez. Dern looks to bounce back from two consecutive losses, and Godinez aims to climb the rankings after a recent setback. This bout could set the tone for their futures in the division.
Opening the main card, Tony Ferguson will compete against Michael Chiesa in a welterweight bout. Ferguson is determined to end a losing streak and secure a victory, his first since 2019, while Chiesa is equally motivated to return to his winning ways.