MMA Match Preview: Umar Nurmagomedov (19-1) vs. Deiveson Figueiredo (25-5-1)
The bantamweight division showcases a pivotal matchup at UFC 324 as undefeated prospect Umar Nurmagomedov (19-1) seeks to rebound from his first career loss and reassert his title contention against former flyweight king Deiveson Figueiredo (25-5-1), who continues his quest for gold in a new weight class. Nurmagomedov, a grappling phenom with elite wrestling pedigree, enters as a massive favorite after challenging for the title in 2025, while Figueiredo, “Deus da Guerra,” brings championship experience and knockout power but has struggled against top bantamweights. With no prior history, this fight pits Nurmagomedov’s suffocating control against Figueiredo’s explosive striking and submission threats. A win for Nurmagomedov could fast-track a rematch with champion Merab Dvalishvili, while Figueiredo aims to upset the odds and climb back into contention. On a stacked card headlined by Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title, this co-main event has potential for a highlight-reel finish or a grueling decision.
Venue Location
T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada. This 20,000-seat venue is a UFC staple, known for its electric atmosphere and history of hosting high-stakes bantamweight fights, including several title bouts with dramatic knockouts and submissions.
The main card starting at 9:00 p.m. ET (6:00 p.m. PT, 7:00 p.m. local time in Las Vegas). Prelims begin at 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT), and early prelims at 5:00 p.m. ET (2:00 p.m. PT). This fight is on the main card, likely airing around 11:00-11:30 p.m. ET. Stream live on Paramount+.
Injury Report
Umar Nurmagomedov: No active injuries. Nurmagomedov suffered a broken left hand in the first round of his UFC 311 title loss to Merab Dvalishvili on January 18, 2025, leading to a 180-day medical suspension. He underwent successful rehab and was cleared by late 2025, with no issues in training camp for this fight.
Deiveson Figueiredo: No active injuries. Figueiredo sustained a partial anterolateral ligament tear in his knee during a TKO loss to Cory Sandhagen at UFC Fight Night on May 3, 2025, but avoided surgery. He rehabbed through physical therapy and returned in October 2025 without issues, confirming full recovery in interviews.
Fighter Matchups
This bantamweight (135 lbs) co-main event pits Nurmagomedov’s (5’8″, 69″ reach, 30 years old) elite wrestling and submission game (7 subs, 37% of wins) against Figueiredo’s (5’5″, 68″ reach, 38 years old) knockout power and guillotine threat (9 KOs, 9 subs). Nurmagomedov lands 4.5 significant strikes per minute at 56% accuracy, with 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes at 55% success and strong ground control (2.5 submission attempts per 15 minutes). He’s an orthodox fighter who excels in chaining takedowns and transitions. Figueiredo absorbs 3.8 strikes per minute but counters with 4.8 at 57% accuracy, boasting a 1.2 knockdown rate and solid takedown defense (75%). Styles clash: Nurmagomedov’s pressure and ground dominance vs. Figueiredo’s explosive striking and submission counters; if Nurmagomedov takes it down, his control could stifle Figueiredo, but “Deus da Guerra’s” power (1.0 knockdowns per 15 minutes) threatens at range.
Recent Form
Umar Nurmagomedov: On a 1-fight win streak after his first loss. Last 5: W (UD vs. Mario Bautista, Oct 25, 2025), L (UD vs. Merab Dvalishvili, Jan 18, 2025), W (UD vs. Cory Sandhagen, Aug 3, 2024), W (UD vs. Bekzat Almakhan, Mar 2, 2024), W (UD vs. Raoni Barcelos, Jan 14, 2023). Form emphasizes elite wrestling and decision dominance (10 of 19 wins by DEC), with improved striking volume post-loss.
Deiveson Figueiredo: On a 1-fight win streak after two losses. Last 5: W (SD vs. Montel Jackson, Oct 11, 2025), L (TKO vs. Cory Sandhagen, May 3, 2025), L (UD vs. Petr Yan, Nov 23, 2024), W (UD vs. Marlon Vera, Aug 3, 2024), W (UD vs. Cody Garbrandt, Apr 13, 2024). Form shows resilience and decision wins (7 of 25 by DEC), but recent losses highlight age-related slowdowns against top bantamweights.
Fight History
This is the first meeting between Nurmagomedov and Figueiredo—no prior head-to-head history or bad blood. They share common opponents like Cory Sandhagen (Nurmagomedov W UD 2024; Figueiredo L TKO 2025) and Marlon Vera (Nurmagomedov no; Figueiredo W UD 2024). Nurmagomedov’s UFC record (7-1) vs. Figueiredo’s (14-5-1) highlights the Brazilian’s experience, but no notable feuds or callouts.
FIGHT ODDS
Umar Nurmagomedov – 900
Deiveson Figueiredo + 650
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 23, 2026
