Umar Nurmagomedov dominates Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 324

A bantamweight fight with title picture implications served as Saturday's UFC 324 featured preliminary card fight. Second-ranked 135-pound contender and former title challenger Umar Nurmagomedov faced former two-time flyweight titleholder Deiveson Figueiredo. 

Figueiredo entered the fight at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas ranked sixth in the division and coming off a win over Montel Jackson. The 38 year-old Brazilian failed to make weight on Friday, weighing in 2.5 pounds over the weight class limit. 

Nurmagomedov rebounded from his first career loss in has lasting with a decision win over Mario Bautista. Back in the win column, Nurmagomedov was looking to move a step closer to another championship opportunity.

Nurmagomedov took the center of the octagon and delivered a hard outside leg kick. Figueiredo circled on the outside. Nurmagomedov stepped forward with a teep kick that pushed Figueiredo back. He began stalking the former flyweight champion. They cliched and Nurmagomedov connected with a combination on the break. Another front kick to the body pushed Figueiredo back. Nurmagomedov changed levels and looked to get the fight to the ground. Figueiredo defended the attempt. 

Nurmagomedov secured a takedown, slamming Figueiredo to the canvas. He postured up and delivered punches early securing the round. 

Nurmagomedov picked up in the second where he left off in the first. He took the enter of the cage and inched forward. The fight was pretty one-sided through two round with Nurmagomedov outworking Figueiredo. Figueiredo came alive late in the round and let his hands go. He connected with right hands. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Nurmagomedov. 

Nurmagomedov pressed forward int he third. Figueiredo circled on the outside. Nurmagomedov looked for a takedown. Figueiredo briefly looked for a guillotine choke before succumbing to the takedown. Midway through the round, Nurmagomedov was in top position delivering right hands. Figueiredo got to his feet in the final seconds but it was too little too late. 

The judges scored the fight for Nurmagomedov via unanimous decision. All three judges' scorecards read 30-27.