No. 2-ranked UFC Bantamweight and former title challenger Umar Nurmagomedov returns to action against surging contender Mario Bautista next weekend (Sat., Oct. 25, 2025) in the “Featured” bout of UFC 321, which takes place inside Etihad Arena on “Fight Island” in Abu Dhabi.
Nurmagomedov vs. Bautista is a crucial fight for the Bantamweight title picture, as either man could make a strong case to challenge current champion Merab Dvalishvili — well, maybe.
Nurmagomedov already got a crack at “The
Machine” earlier this year and started strong, winning the first two rounds before getting smothered in the final three. Still, with his name recognition and elite skill set, he remains firmly in the mix.
Bautista, on the other hand, may have to do something spectacular to earn the same opportunity. He isn’t exactly a fan favorite, and his recent performances have been more methodical than electric. Still, his eight-fight win streak (potentially nine with a win) speaks for itself — and he hopes the champion takes notice.
“I’ve worked really hard, and a win over Umar would put me on a nine-fight win streak. I think I’m more than deserving of a title shot,” Bautista told From The Petty Corner recently. “With a win over the No. 2 guy, I’m not going to fight down against someone who just lost against Merab. Hopefully, Merab respects this win streak because he had a similar streak before he got the title shot. Hopefully, we can work things out and he sees that, and we can get it done.”
As Bautista noted, Dvalishvili had to take the long road to gold, racking up 10 straight wins — including three over former champions — before finally getting his shot.
While Bautista doesn’t yet have a former champion on his resume, becoming just the second man to defeat Nurmagomedov could be the statement victory he needs to reach the top.
Time will tell.
For the current UFC 321 fight card and PPV lineup click here.
