Brian Kelleher vs. Umar Nurmagomedov Set for UFC 272

Brian Kelleher UFC
Brian Kelleher, UFC Vegas 46 weigh-in Credit: Alex Behunin/Cageside Press

March’s UFC 272 card has added an exciting bantamweight bout, as Brian Kelleher and Umar Nurmagomedov are expected to face off at the event.

ESPN was first to report the news, with Kelleher later confirming the bout on social media. “I love that he’s undefeated,” the American added via his verified Twitter account.

Umar Nurmagomedov, a cousin of former UFC lightweight champion Khabib, is a perfect 13-0 thus far in his MMA career. He made his debut inside the octagon last January, submitting Sergey Morozov on Fight Island in Abu Dhabi. The rear-naked choke finish earned Nurmagomedov a Performance of the Night bonus.

Kelleher, with more than twice the experience of his opponent at 24-12, has found ample success in the cage of late. He’s 3-1 in his last four fights, and has won his last two, against Domingo Pilarte and Kevin Croom.

And if he’s not fighting, there’s always a potential rap battle with Bryce Mitchell for Brian Kelleher.

UFC 272 is set to take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on March 5, 2022. The third UFC PPV of 2021 is set to be headlined by a welterweight grudge match featuring ex-teammates turned bitter rivals Jorge Masvidal and Colby Covington. It will mark the first UFC PPV headlined by a non-title fight since Poirier vs. McGregor 3.