TLDR
- Umar Nurmagomedov defeated Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 324 but was frustrated by his opponent’s passive approach
- Figueiredo failed to deliver on pre-fight promises to engage aggressively, drawing boos from the crowd
- The boring fight led some media outlets to name Nurmagomedov a “biggest loser” despite his victory
- Nurmagomedov expected a tougher challenge from the former flyweight champion but faced minimal engagement
- The lackluster performance may have damaged Nurmagomedov’s momentum toward a bantamweight title shot
Sources: BJPenn.com | MMA Fighting | Sherdog
Umar Nurmagomedov walked away with a victory at UFC 324 against Deiveson Figueiredo, but the win left him frustrated and confused. The undefeated bantamweight expected a tougher challenge from the former flyweight champion but instead faced an opponent who refused to engage.
Nurmagomedov expressed disappointment with Figueiredo’s strategy following their bout this past Saturday at UFC’s debut card on Paramount+. The fight drew boos from the crowd as Figueiredo failed to deliver on his pre-fight promises of an aggressive performance.
The lackluster nature of the contest contrasted sharply with the hype surrounding the matchup. Fans and analysts had anticipated an exciting clash between two skilled fighters with finishing ability.
Instead, the bout became a tactical stalemate with Figueiredo showing reluctance to exchange strikes or attempt takedowns. Nurmagomedov secured a decisive victory on the scorecards but felt robbed of the opportunity to showcase his full skill set.
Former Champion’s Cautious Approach
Figueiredo’s passive tactics puzzled observers who expected the Brazilian to bring the same aggression that made him a champion at flyweight. The former titleholder moved up to bantamweight seeking new challenges but appeared hesitant throughout the fight.
Nurmagomedov had prepared for Figueiredo’s reputation as a dangerous finisher with knockout power. The reality of facing a passive opponent forced him to adjust his gameplan on the fly.
The fight’s lack of action drew criticism from fans in attendance and watching at home. Many felt both fighters could have done more to create exciting exchanges.
Despite winning every round, Nurmagomedov found himself labeled a “biggest loser” at UFC 324 by some media outlets. The boring nature of the victory potentially damaged his momentum toward a title shot.
Title Aspirations and Future Plans
Nurmagomedov expressed his desire to deliver more exciting performances moving forward. He acknowledged that the UFC 324 bout failed to meet expectations for fans and himself.
The undefeated fighter now looks toward either rematches or eliminator bouts as his next step. His perfect record remains intact, but the quality of his latest victory raised questions about his fighting style.
Figueiredo’s pre-fight promises to engage aggressively never materialized inside the Octagon. His decision to fight cautiously contradicted his typical fighting approach from his flyweight championship reign.
Nurmagomedov must now prove he can deliver thrilling fights to regain favor with fans and UFC matchmakers. The victory added a win to his record but may have stalled his title push.
The bout took place on the same card where Justin Gaethje defeated Paddy Pimblett to win the interim lightweight championship. That fight delivered the action and excitement that Nurmagomedov versus Figueiredo lacked.
Nurmagomedov’s frustration centered on Figueiredo’s unwillingness to take risks or create opportunities for exchanges. He expected the former champion to live up to his reputation as an aggressive finisher.
