Umar Nurmagomedov isn’t concerned with the bantamweight division’s shifting title picture, he’s focused on taking care of business at UFC 324.
Ahead of his matchup with Deiveson Figueiredo on Saturday night, the #2 ranked contender made it clear he’s prepared for whatever comes next, whether that means a title shot, a rematch between Merab Dvalishvili and Petr Yan, or any other direction the UFC chooses to go.
Figueiredo had said early on that he believed a win over Nurmagomedov would earn him the next title shot. Nurmagomedov didn’t share that same certainty.
“No, I don’t feel even he going to be next. Maybe after these fights we’re going to fight for the title,” Nurmagomedov told reporters including Cageside Press on Wednesday.
“Merab and Petr maybe will fight rematch. For me doesn’t matter. Any option, I’ll be ready.”
If he wins and earns the next title shot, Nurmagomedov (19-1) already has a built-in storyline with fellow Russian and bantamweight champion Petr Yan. For Nurmagomedov, it’s less about personal animosity and more about creating a massive fight for their country.
“You know it means like, we’re not friends, and we’re not enemy,” Nurmagomedov said.
“It’s going to be big fight for our country. Two guys fighting for the title, and that’s it.”
Watch the entire media day interview with Umar Nurmagomedov above. He faces Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 324 on Saturday night.
