Deiveson Figueiredo's rival is planning a title fight after UFC 324 against his former opponent; find out why.

Umar during a fight at UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

A strong favorite for the match against Deiveson Figueirado next Saturday (24), Umar Nurmagomedov wants to repeat the steps of Islam makhachev ...and become yet another champion representing the Dagestan Clan. Besides the Brazilian, other names could emerge to hinder the path of Khabib's younger cousin, such as Sean O'Malley and... Merab Dvalishvili, who are seeking an opportunity at the top of the bantamweight division (up to 61,2 kg) against Petr yan.

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Looking ahead to the next chapters of the category, Nurmagomedov imagines that he will possibly not be favored in relation to the winner Sean O'Malley and song yadongHowever, he also showed a willingness to face another opponent if necessary.

"I predict they won't give me a title shot after this fight, but I'll be ready to fight again, no matter how many times. I have to fight for the title in 2026, and that's the goal. Maybe I'll headline a fight in the summer against the winner of the O'Malley fight and..." song yadong"If O'Malley fights for the belt next, it will be even better for me – I'll have a rematch with Merab," the fighter declared.

Umar Nurmagomedov says if O'Malley fights for the belt next, a rematch with Merab will be even better for him #UFC324

"I predict they will not give me a title shot after this fight, but I'll be ready to fight again no matter how many times. I have to fight for the title in… pic.twitter.com/OjWLbLBDtM

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) January 21, 2026

Umar Nurmagomedov has a loss in the UFC.

Merab Dvalishvili derrotou Umar Nurmagomedov No. UFC 311 (Photo: Instagram/UFC)

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Currently ranked second in the category, Umar suffered the first defeat of his professional career after being dominated by Merab Dvalishvili in the co-main event of UFC 311At the time, in addition to the setback, the Russian was also forced to undergo surgery to recover from a hand fracture. Since then, he has returned to the win column against mario bautista, whereas the Georgian lost the belt to Petr yan.

Even though they have never faced each other and are compatriots, the relationship between Umar Nurmagomedov e Petr yan It's not the best. Recently, Khabib came forward publicly to to affirm hatred between the two athletes.