The MMA fraternity believes that #2 ranked bantamweight Umar Nurmagomedov is probably next in line for a title shot. However, a wrinkle in this salted plan came recently after reports surfaced that the Dagestani bantamweight is looking to fight #8 ranked promising upcoming star Song Yadong in late 2024-early 2025.

The fight, however, didn’t materialize, with some suspecting Nurmagomedov didn’t want to risk his place in the division. Turns out that is not true. The undefeated bantamweight took to X recently and told fans the real reason he isn’t fighting Yadong next.

“I had a small arm fracture and couldn’t perform in January. My arm is fine now, and I’m open to any offers. Anyone, Anywhere!!” he wrote. This tweet, of course, makes it seem like he wants to fight again soon. This is not surprising since the Dagestani was injured for most of last year, and likes to remain active.

Umar, of course, is coming off a win over Cory Sandhagen in August, which has catapulted him to the very top of the division. Not to mention it made him the virtual #1 title contender. But becoming the top title contender and getting a title shot are two entirely different things, as Nurmagomedov is finding out the hard way with reigning champ Merab Dvalishvili.

Will Umar Nurmagomedov fight for the title in his next fight?

Umar Nurmagomedov told Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo on their podcast recently that he was promised a title shot next by the UFC. However, Merab Dvalishvili is totally against the idea. Why? Because he thinks Umar has gotten where he is so quickly because of his illustrious cousin, Khabib.

In fact, the Georgian champ called out former champ Petr Yan just a few days ago, challenging him to a fight this March 2025 at UFC 313 in Las Vegas. This has developed after the Russian’s dominant outing against former 125lbs champ Deiveson Figueiredo on a Fight Night card just a few days back. But what about the UFC’s promise to Umar? After all, the promotion ultimately is the final arbiter of who fights whom. Could it not compel Dvalishvili to fight Umar for his first title defense?

It can, but the UFC does give its champions at least some say in who they want to fight. And in the case of Dvalishvili, it cannot be more clear whom he doesn’t want to fight. This is why it is unlikely that the undefeated Dagestani will fight for the title in his next fight. But a title shot is very much on the horizon for him, even if not immediately. What do you think about Umar Nurmagomedov’s tweet revealing his injury?