Umar Nurmagomedov isn’t worried about the bantamweight division’s changing title picture as he focuses on taking care of business at UFC 324.
Ahead of his matchup with Deiveson Figueiredo on Saturday night, the No. 2 contender made it clear that he’s prepared for whatever comes next, whether that means a title shot, a rematch between Merab Dvalishvili and Petr Yan, or whatever other direction the UFC chooses.
Figueiredo had said early on that he believed a win over Nurmagomedov would give him his next title shot. Nurmagomedov did not share that same certainty.
“No, I don’t feel like he will be next. Maybe after these fights we will fight for the title,” Nurmagomedov told reporters, including Cageside Press, on Wednesday.
“Merab and Petr might fight a rematch. For me it doesn’t matter. Whatever option, I will be ready.”
If he wins and earns the next title shot, Nurmagomedov (19-1) already has a built-in storyline with fellow countryman and bantamweight champion Petr Yan. For Nurmagomedov, it is less about personal animosity and more about creating a mass struggle for their country.
“You know it means: we are neither friends nor enemies,” Nurmagomedov said.
“It’s going to be a 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 will face Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 324 on Saturday night.
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