UFC Books Umar Nurmagomedov vs. David Martinez as Abu Dhabi Co-Main Event
The UFC announced Monday that Umar Nurmagomedov will face David Martinez next month in Abu Dhabi. The bout serves as co-main event to Magomed Ankalaev vs Khalil Rountree.
yardbarker.comThe UFC announced Monday that former title challenger Umar Nurmagomedov will face David Martinez in Abu Dhabi next month. The bout will serve as the co-main event to Magomed Ankalaev vs Khalil Rountree and could function as a title eliminator. Umar Nurmagomedov lost a decision to Merab Dvalishvili in their title fight.
He then defeated Mario Bautista by decision and Deiveson Figueiredo by decision at UFC 324 on Jan. 24, 2026, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. A third consecutive win would strengthen his case for another title opportunity, particularly against Petr Yan, whom he has not yet faced.
David Martinez advanced from the Contenders Series to the bantamweight top 10 in four fights. A victory over Nurmagomedov would mark one of the quickest ascents in recent UFC history and position him for a title shot. Aiemann Zahabi is also positioned for a high-profile matchup.
He is scheduled to fight Sean O’Malley at UFC Freedom 250. Zahabi suffered two straight losses in 2019 and took 2020 off due to COVID-19. After returning, he knocked out Drako Rodriguez and later defeated Jose Aldo and Marlon Vera at UFC Fight Night on Oct.
18, 2025, at Rogers Arena in Vancouver. Sean O’Malley has lost twice to Merab Dvalishvili. Petr Yan defeated Dvalishvili to win the bantamweight title. With a Yan-Dvalishvili trilogy bout still pending, the winner of Nurmagomedov vs Martinez could strengthen their claim for a future title opportunity.
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