Former UFC bantamweight title challenger Umar Nurmagomedov draws a surprising name for his next fight at UFC Abu Dhabi.

After a narrow loss to then-UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 311, top contender Umar Nurmagomedov has had an unorthodox route back to the bantamweight title picture. Umar, the cousin of UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov, was unbeaten in his MMA career before the unanimous decision loss to Dvalishvili.

Since the defeat, Nurmagomedov has earned back-to-back dominant wins over Mario Bautista and former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo, as he continues to make a strong case for another title shot. The UFC matchmakers are widely expected to book UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan against Dvalishvili in a trilogy bout later this year.

Rather than waiting it out for another title shot, Nurmagomedov has proven himself to be game to fight all comers, including some under-the-radar names. Nurmagomedov will look to make another statement in the UFC Abu Dhabi co-main event against a streaking bantamweight star.

Umar Nurmagomedov set to face DWCS alum in UFC Abu Dhabi co-main

As announced by the UFC, Nurmagomedov will face ninth-ranked bantamweight contender David Martinez at UFC Abu Dhabi on July 25th at Etihad Arena.

Martinez soared into the bantamweight Top 15 after just three fights in the UFC, including recent wins over Rob Font and former title challenger Marlon Vera. The Dana White’s Contender Series alum earned a contract with a dominant performance against Xavier Franklin in October 2024.

Before signing with the UFC, Martinez earned a series of viral knockout wins in Combate Global and is considered one of the top MMA prospects out of Mexico. Nurmagomedov will easily be the toughest test of Martinez’s career, but his quick ascent in one of the UFC’s most stacked divisions is impressive.

UFC Abu Dhabi is headlined by a light heavyweight matchup between former titleholder Magomed Ankalaev and knockout artist Khalil Rountree Jr.

What is your prediction for Umar Nurmagomedov vs. David Martinez? Let us know in the comments!