Russia’s Umar Nurmagomedov was in complete control against Cory Sandhagen of the United States to earn a bantamweight victory by unanimous decision in the UFC main event Saturday at Abu Dhabi.

While improving to 18-0, Nurmagomedov won by scores of 50-45, 49-46 and 49-6 in the 135-pound class, in a victory that could lead to a title bout against the winner of a matchup between champion Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili in September.

Sandhagen (17-5) was never a threat as Nurmagomedov recorded a takedown in all five rounds.

In a middleweight bout, Russia’s Shara Magomedov (14-0) earned a unanimous decision over Poland’s Oleksiejczuk (19-9). Brazil’s Deiveson Figueiredo (24-3-1) also won by unanimous decision against Ecuador’s Marlon Vera (23-10-1) in a bantamweight bout.

Tony Ferguson (26-11) set a UFC record with his eighth consecutive defeat, going down by first-round submission in a welterweight bout against fellow American Michael Chiesa (19-7).

In a women’s strawweight bout, Brazil’s Mackenzie Dern (14-5) won by unanimous decision against Mexico’s Loopy Godinez (12-5).

In a lightweight bout, Spain’s Joel Alvarez (20-3) won by TKO in the third round against Brazil’s Elves Brener (16-5).

–Field Level Media