Umar Nurmagomedov enters UFC 321 as one of the most complete and technically refined athletes in the bantamweight division. Known for his composure, elite wrestling pedigree, and rapidly improving striking, the Dagestani standout represents the next generation of the famed Nurmagomedov fighting lineage. As he looks to rebound from his first career setback and reclaim his spot among the elite, here are Umar Nurmagomedov’s top three UFC performances leading into UFC 321.
1. Nurmagomedov vs. Merab Dvalishvili – UFC 311 (Inglewood)
In his first title opportunity, Umar Nurmagomedov went five hard rounds with reigning champion Merab Dvalishvili in one of 2025’s most intense bantamweight clashes. Despite the unanimous-decision loss, Umar impressed with his takedown defense, striking precision, and relentless pace against one of the division’s toughest champions. The bout earned Fight of the Night honors and showcased Nurmagomedov’s ability to compete at the absolute highest level.
2. Nurmagomedov vs. Cory Sandhagen – UFC on ABC 7 (Abu Dhabi)
In a high-stakes title eliminator, Umar Nurmagomedov delivered a masterclass performance against Cory Sandhagen, neutralizing the elite striker over five dominant rounds. Combining chain wrestling, top control, and crisp striking transitions, Umar secured a clear unanimous-decision victory, cementing his position as the rightful number-one contender and proving his championship-caliber endurance and IQ.
3. Nurmagomedov vs. Raoni Barcelos – UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Imavov (Las Vegas)
Facing dangerous veteran Raoni Barcelos, Nurmagomedov produced one of his most spectacular finishes — a sharp body kick followed by a clean knockout punch midway through round one. The emphatic win earned a Performance of the Night bonus and highlighted his evolution from a grappling specialist into a complete finisher capable of ending fights in any range.