Dana White is backing Umar Nurmagomedov for another title shot—but he needs to earn it first. At UFC 321, Nurmagomedov faces Mario Bautista in a key bantamweight matchup. The winner could secure a shot at champion Merab Dvalishvili.
Dvalishvili is already set to defend his title against Petr Yan on December 6. Whether he will fight again soon after that remains uncertain.
Nurmagomedov and Bautista both have their eyes on the prize. During a recent press conference, Nurmagomedov asked White if their fight could be a No. 1 contender battle. White responded, encouraging them to impress the fans. “Go out there and put on a show,” he said. Nurmagomedov agreed, promising to deliver.
Nurmagomedov burst onto the UFC scene with impressive wins. He started his career at 18-0, including a decision win over Cory Sandhagen. However, he faced Dvalishvili at UFC 311 and lost by unanimous decision, marking his first career loss.
Since then, Dvalishvili has successfully defended his title twice, while Nurmagomedov has been waiting for his next chance. He’s not focused solely on Dvalishvili, though. “I want to talk about the belt,” he said, indicating he’s ready for any top contender.
To win back favor, Nurmagomedov might need to rekindle his finishing prowess. He finished three of his first four UFC opponents but hasn’t scored a finish since January 2023.
Bautista won’t be an easy opponent. He’s on an eight-fight winning streak and has beaten well-known fighters like Jose Aldo. Nurmagomedov knows the stakes are high but feels confident. “I just need to show my best performance,” he stated, whether it’s through a quick finish or a full three rounds.
In recent discussions, fans have taken to social media to weigh in on the upcoming match. Many are excited about the clash of styles and the potential for an explosive bout. As the fight approaches, the buzz continues to grow, promising a thrilling showdown.
With so much on the line for both fighters, UFC 321 could pave the way for a new contender in the bantamweight division. For those following the sport, this matchup is one to watch closely.
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