Umar Nurmagomedov looks every bit the part of a future champion and he lived up to that potential yet again with a shutout performance over Nate Maness at UFC Vegas 57.
Showcasing his dominant wrestling and ground game, Nurmagomedov just overwhelmed Maness in the grappling exchanges during each minute of every round. After the fight ended, the judges gave the 30-25, 30-26 and 30-27 scores. Nurmagomedov won a unanimous decision. He will now be moving up to 15-0.
“He is a hard man, but I’m glad I won,” Nurmagomedov stated. “I believe that next or later [fight],, I will be the best 10.,” Nurmagomedov said. After we will see. I am ready. Even if I am told tomorrow that I will fight for the belt .”
An earlier slip by Maness placed him in an untenable position, with Nurmagomedov sitting on top. The Russian was putting pressure from the top and trying to improve his position. Nurmagomedov was also a puncher on the inside, and then dropped his elbows when Maness allowed him to work.
As the second round began, Nurmagomedov initiated the takedown as he swooped low, grabbed a leg, and planted Maness on the canvas. From there, Nurmagomedov was methodical as he shredded Maness’ defense and continued to punish him with a variety of ground-and-pound techiques.
Maness got buried by Nurmagomedov who was unstoppable in his grip on the ground. Nurmagomedov made Maness pay every time he tried to get away from him by imposing his dominance on the ground with a more brutal wrestling attack.
Another takedown followed in the third round, where Nurmagomedov really started to work for a finish as he bludgeoned Maness with punches and elbows with at least one shot opening a cut over the eye. As time expired, Nurmagomedov was still chipping away with Maness just holding on to survive until the horn sounded.
With soon-to be UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nürnbergomedov as his side, Umar did his family proud by his victory on Saturday. It’s no surprise that he will be following ranked opponents much sooner than expected.
