Umar Nurmagomedov is set to face David Martinez in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night 282 on July 25 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
Nurmagomedov enters the bantamweight clash with a 20-1 MMA record and a 7-1 mark in the UFC, while Martinez holds a 14-1 record overall and is 3-0 in the promotion, currently ranked No. 9 at 135 pounds.
Usman Nurmagomedov said the deal came together quickly. "I was talking about his next fight just an hour ago, we were at dinner together, and he said, 'They send a contract, I said yes,'" Usman recounted.
Umar made his own intentions clear: "They send a contract, I said yes," he said. "If they will send me all top 10, I will beat all top 10. I just want to be active, and I just want to beat all of these guys until they give me a title shot."
Umar is riding a two-fight unanimous decision winning streak, with victories over Mario Bautista and Deiveson Figueiredo. He previously challenged Merab Dvalishvili for the bantamweight title at UFC 311, while Dvalishvili is now expected to complete a trilogy with Petr Yan after losing his belt at UFC 323.
Usman backed Umar’s mindset ahead of Abu Dhabi. "I understand he has a goal," Usman said. "He has very good focus, and if Umar is going to show his best performance, if he's going to finish this guy, I think the UFC has to give attention to that."
