Umar Nurmagomedov faced his first career setback at UFC 311, losing a hard-fought unanimous decision to Merab Dvalishvili. The bout highlighted Nurmagomedov’s striking precision and defensive capabilities but exposed potential areas for growth against relentless pressure and endurance. As Nurmagomedov looks to rebound, his next steps will be crucial for his journey back to title contention.

What’s Next for Umar Nurmagomedov?

Despite the loss, Nurmagomedov remains a top contender in the bantamweight division. His dynamic skill set and undefeated record leading up to UFC 311 prove he has what it takes to challenge the division’s elite. A fight against Deiveson Figueiredo, the former two-time UFC Flyweight Champion, may be the ideal next matchup.

Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Deiveson Figueiredo: A Clash of Styles

A bout between Nurmagomedov and Figueiredo would offer fans an exciting stylistic matchup. Figueiredo’s explosive striking and grappling would test Nurmagomedov’s composure and adaptability. For Nurmagomedov, a victory over a former champion would reestablish his position as a top contender, while Figueiredo would look to solidify his place in the bantamweight rankings after moving up from flyweight.

Nurmagomedov will need to address the endurance and pressure issues that surfaced against Dvalishvili, while Figueiredo must prove he can handle the pace and size of elite bantamweights. This fight promises fireworks and could determine the next title challenger in the stacked 135-pound division.

Umar Nurmagomedov: Last 5 Fights

1. Loss vs. Merab Dvalishvili – Decision (unanimous) at UFC 311 (Jan 18, 2025)
* Relentless pressure from Dvalishvili led to Nurmagomedov’s first career defeat.
2. Win vs. Cory Sandhagen – Decision (unanimous) at UFC on ABC (Aug 3, 2024)
* A clinical performance in a title eliminator.
3. Win vs. Bekzat Almakhan – Decision (unanimous) at UFC Fight Night (Mar 2, 2024)
* Dominated with striking and control.
4. Win vs. Raoni Barcelos – KO (body kick and punch) at UFC Fight Night (Jan 14, 2023)
* Earned Performance of the Night honors.
5. Win vs. Nate Maness – Decision (unanimous) at UFC on ESPN (Jun 25, 2022)
* Controlled the fight with superior technique.

Deiveson Figueiredo: Last 5 Fights

1. Loss vs. Petr Yan – Decision (unanimous) at UFC Fight Night (Nov 23, 2024)
* Outpaced by Yan’s technical striking.
2. Win vs. Marlon Vera – Decision (unanimous) at UFC on ABC (Aug 3, 2024)
* Showed strong striking and grappling.
3. Win vs. Cody Garbrandt – Submission (rear-naked choke) at UFC 300 (Apr 13, 2024)
* Dominant finish in his bantamweight debut.
4. Win vs. Rob Font – Decision (unanimous) at UFC on ESPN (Dec 2, 2023)
* Proved his skill in a closely contested fight.
5. Loss vs. Brandon Moreno – TKO (doctor stoppage) at UFC 283 (Jan 21, 2023)
* Lost the UFC Flyweight Championship in a competitive trilogy fight.

This matchup could be a defining moment for both fighters as they aim to establish themselves in the bantamweight division.