Umar Nurmagomedov, the UFC bantamweight contender and cousin of former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, is preparing for a return to the octagon after his first professional loss in a title fight. The defeat came against champion Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 311 in January, where Nurmagomedov showed strong early performance but ultimately lost by unanimous decision in the championship rounds during the Merab Dvalishvili UFC title fight.

Despite the setback, Nurmagomedov remains a top-ranked fighter at 18-1 and appears set to headline his next UFC bout, according to his cousin Khabib. The loss showcased Nurmagomedov’s competitiveness against a relentless champion, with Dvalishvili’s exceptional endurance allowing him to rally late and secure the victory.

Khabib Nurmagomedov Indicates Umar’s Next UFC Fight Will Be a Main Event

Khabib Nurmagomedov shared on Instagram that Umar’s upcoming fight will be the main event, signaling the promotion’s confidence in his drawing power despite the recent loss. Khabib posted on his story, “Main fight of the evening,” while tagging Umar. He also noted, “5 rounds…” emphasizing the significance of the match. The retired champion encouraged his cousin, stating,

“It’s time to come back jr,”

reinforcing expectations for a strong comeback performance.

This will mark Umar Nurmagomedov’s third consecutive UFC main event, as the promotion gears up for the bantamweight title fight between Merab Dvalishvili and Cory Sandhagen. Nurmagomedov’s ability to headline shows a continued faith in his potential and star power.

Potential Opponents Await for Umar Nurmagomedov’s UFC Return

Following his recent title fight loss, Nurmagomedov’s next opponent has yet to be announced, but several contenders make logical matchups. Among them is #5-ranked bantamweight Song Yadong, a fighter known for strong takedown defense—a key strategic challenge for Nurmagomedov’s style. Talks about a Nurmagomedov vs. Song bout existed before Nurmagomedov’s championship opportunity, though the UFC chose differently at that time.

The decision on his next opponent will shape Nurmagomedov’s path forward and potentially position him for another run at the bantamweight title. As the UFC ramps up competition at this weight class, Nurmagomedov’s main event status keeps him in the spotlight as he prepares to rebound from the Merab Dvalishvili UFC title fight.