The red-hot bantamweight division had another solid match-up in Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Deiveson Figueiredo, the featured preliminary card fight at UFC 324 in Las Vegas.
Nurmagomedov, having lost one title bid to Merab Dvalishvili, was now pursuing Petr Yan, with former flyweight champion Figueiredo looking to do the same. The wrench in the works? “Figgy” had missed weight for the bout, by 2.5lbs.
Nurmagomedov came out as the aggressor in round one pressing Figueiredo to the fence. The former champion stayed on the outside as Umar threatened multiple kicks to the body and head. Figueredo initiated a grappling exchange but was unable to secure at takedown. Nurmagomedov shot a takedown of own but Figueiredo attempted a guillotine choke to get back to his feet. Ducking under a punch Nurmagomedov was able to secure a takedown and secure positional control for the majority of the round.
In the second, Nurmagomedov landed two kicks in the first thirty seconds. Attempting another kick Umar fell and Figueredo was momentarily in top control. Reversing the position Nurmagomedov returned to his feet after an impressive scramble. Umar remained the more active fighter throughout the round, exchanging big blows with Figueiredo up until the horn sounded.
To start the third Umar pressed the action with kicks to the head and body, forcing Figueredo to fight off the back foot. Retreating around the cage Nurmagomedov was able to land a jab followed by a straight left in combination. With three minutes left Nurmagomedov was able to land a takedown near the fence. With plenty of time to work Umar was in full guard landing big shots on the former flyweight champion. For two more minutes Nurmagomedov remained in top control pounding away at Figueredo while trying to advance position.
All three judges scored this fight for Umar Nurmagomedov, who afterwards celebrated with his team featuring cousin Khabib and current welterweight champion Islam Makahchev.
Official Result: Umar Nurmagomedov def. Deiveson Figueiredo by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
