1. Winner of Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili (UFC 306 main event)
Sean O’Malley (UFC Bantamweight Champion)
- Record: 18-1 (1 NC)
- Recent Wins: Marlon Vera (unanimous decision, UFC 299), Aljamain Sterling (TKO, UFC 292), Petr Yan (split decision, UFC 280)
Merab Dvalishvili
- Record: 17-4
- Recent Wins: Henry Cejudo (unanimous decision, UFC 298), Petr Yan (unanimous decision, UFC Fight Night: Yan vs. Dvalishvili), José Aldo (unanimous decision, UFC 278)
Why the Matchup Makes Sense
Both O’Malley and Dvalishvili are at the top of the bantamweight division, and a win over the UFC 306 main event would solidify Nurmagomedov’s status as the bantamweight champion.
2. Deiveson Figueiredo
- Record: 24-3-1
- Recent Wins: Marlon Vera (unanimous decision, UFC on ABC: Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov), Cody Garbrandt (submission, UFC 300), Rob Font (unanimous decision, UFC on ESPN: Dariush vs. Tsarukyan)
Why the Matchup Makes Sense
Figueiredo’s move to bantamweight creates an interesting dynamic against Nurmagomedov. With his experience and skill set, Figueiredo represents a high-caliber challenge that could further elevate Nurmagomedov’s profile in the division. The winner will surely get a title shot.
3. Petr Yan
- Record: 17-5
- Recent Wins: Song Yadong (unanimous decision, UFC 299)
- Recent Losses: Merab Dvalishvili (unanimous decision, UFC Fight Night: Yan vs. Dvalishvili), Sean O’Malley (split decision, UFC 280), Aljamain Sterling (split decision, UFC 273)
Why the Matchup Makes Sense
A bout with Yan would be a significant test for Nurmagomedov, providing a chance to face a former champion who has been in the upper echelons of the bantamweight division. This fight would offer Nurmagomedov an opportunity to prove himself against one of the division’s best and possibly set up a title shot.
