The UFC bantamweight title is set to be defended at the first PPV card of 2025 as the champion Merab Dvalishvili takes on the undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov.
As we count down the days until UFC 311 at the Intuit Dome, one of the top contenders in the division has weighed in with his thoughts on the match-up.
Deiveson Figueiredo would've been in the mix as the first man to challenge Dvalishvili if he had extended his 135-pound winning streak to four.
Following wins over Rob Font, Cody Garbrandt and Marlon Vera since moving up a weight class, the former flyweight champion was defeated by Petr Yan in Macau.
The Brazilian gave his prediction for the upcoming title fight in a recent interview with MMA Junkie where he broke down both men's styles.
Figueiredo believes that despite the grappling ability of the challenger, Dvalishvili's style is very effective at keeping opponents guessing.
He thinks that whilst Nurmagomedov is a submission threat, the constant new looks being provided by the champion will see him prevail in his first title defence:
“I tend more for Merab,” Figueiredo told MMA Junkie through an interpreter. “The reason I do this is his striking is not refined, but he manages to tire people and confuse people so he can get them down. On the other hand, Umar is a guy that knows how to submit from the bottom, so there is that risk for Merab. But after five rounds, I see Merab’s hand being raised.”
Figueiredo has recently spoken about a potential move back down to flyweight to face Alexandre Pantoja in a rematch but his long term plans remain at 135-pounds.
Watch the full interview below:
