Umar Nurmagomedov does not deserve title shot just yet, says ex-UFC champion Deiveson Figueiredo

Deiveson Figueiredo has been very successful since moving up to join the bantamweight division last December. The flyweight champion has turned in three consecutive wins, including victories over a former champion and former title challenger.

'Deus da Guerra' recently made the case that Umar Nurmagomedov, who appears to be in a position to receive the first opportunity to challenge Merab Dvalishvili for the bantamweight belt, is not yet deserving of a title bout. Speaking to Guilherme Cruz of MMA Fighting, the No. 5-ranked bantamweight stated:

"Umar just got here. He just had his first fight against a tough guy and I'm sure he has to get tested more, to fight someone else first - maybe [Sean O'Malley]. I'm already tested. I left a division where I was champion and moved up and fought strong guys. I had no easy fights. I definitely present more danger to Merab. I'm ready to fight him."

Figueiredo continued:

"People have been calling me out since I got to this division. Maybe they think I'm an easy fight, but I show them otherwise in the octagon. I'm ready, man. I'm ready to fight for the belt. I want to win that belt." [h/t MMA Fighting]

Figueiredo defeated Rob Font via unanimous decision in his bantamweight debut at UFC on ESPN 52. The two-time flyweight champion followed that up by opening up UFC 300 with a second-round submission victory over former bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt.

The Brazilian then beat Marlon 'Chito' Vera via unanimous decision at UFC on ABC 7 last month to enter the division's top five rankings. 'Deus da Guerra' has expressed interest in fighting at UFC 310 in December, which will be the final pay-per-view event of the year.

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Deiveson Figueiredo shares strategy for potential Merab Dvalishvili clash

Merab Dvalishvili was able to dominate Sean O'Malley at UFC 306, winning via unanimous decision to become the bantamweight champion. He has expressed an interest in defending his title against Deiveson Figueiredo. The No. 5-ranked bantamweight recently discussed his gameplan in a potential clash against Dvalishvili, stating:

"It's hard for Merab to change his style. His style is annoying, he trades a little bit and then takes you down pretty fast. You have to be really smart when you fight someone like Merab to put him in danger, too, and I am that guy. I have good jiu-jitsu, I've been working a lot on my grappling, and I'll focus even more on my wrestling now that I'm aiming for this fight. [h/t MMA Fighting]

Figueiredo added that he has improved his grappling skills since moving to bantamweight. He noted that at flyweight he was able to strike and get into brawls, however, utilizing his grappling skills will be pivotal in the new weight class.