Umar Nurmagomedov

Umar Nurmagomedov defeated Mario Bautista by unanimous decision at UFC 321 in a wrestling-heavy bantamweight bout.

Key moments

• Nurmagomedov repeatedly secured takedowns and used top control while Bautista worked to scramble free.
• Bautista briefly dropped Nurmagomedov with a knee early in the second round, but Nurmagomedov recovered and returned to his grappling attack.
• Nurmagomedov continued to chain takedowns and control positions through the third round, limiting Bautista's sustained offense.
• Nurmagomedov won the unanimous decision by scores of 30-27, 30-27, and 30-27.

Umar Nurmagomedov lost a unanimous decision to Merab Dvalishvili in a five-round bantamweight title fight at UFC 311.

Key moments

• Nurmagomedov found success early with precise straight punches and kicks while Dvalishvili worked to close the distance.
• Dvalishvili increased his pressure in the second round, forcing Nurmagomedov to defend repeated wrestling exchanges and takedown attempts.
• Nurmagomedov created a brief opening by taking Dvalishvili's back, but Dvalishvili escaped and returned to his high-output pressure game.
• Dvalishvili retained the bantamweight title by unanimous decision, winning 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46.

Umar Nurmagomedov defeated Cory Sandhagen by unanimous decision in the five-round main event at UFC on ABC 7.

Key moments

• Nurmagomedov used precise stand-up work and distance management to make Sandhagen work for his entries.
• Nurmagomedov mixed tactical takedowns with efficient striking and repeatedly made Sandhagen defend during the scrambles.
• Sandhagen resisted the takedowns and created competitive exchanges, but Nurmagomedov maintained the clearer control of the fight.
• Nurmagomedov won the unanimous decision by scores of 50-45, 49-46, and 49-46.

Umar Nurmagomedov defeated Bekzat Almakhan by unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night 238 after recovering from an early knockdown.

Key moments

• Almakhan caught Nurmagomedov with a clean punch early in the opening round and briefly put him on the canvas.
• Nurmagomedov recovered by securing a takedown and quickly returning the fight to his preferred grappling exchanges.
• Nurmagomedov repeatedly advanced position, took Almakhan's back, and used ground control and sustained strikes to build a wide lead.
• Nurmagomedov won the unanimous decision by scores of 30-25, 30-26, and 30-26.