A UFC bantamweight headliner between contenders Umar Nurmagomedov and Tune Yadong is reportedly within the works for the promotion’s return to Tampa, FL in December.
MMA journalist Ariel Helwani reported Thursday that whereas contracts haven’t been signed, the UFC plans to e-book the matchup for December 14th. Neither Nurmagomedov nor Yadong have confirmed the reviews of the focused UFC Tampa reserving, as of this writing.
After a couple of shops reported on Thursday afternoon that Nurmagomedov vs. Yadong was a finished deal, Helwani clarified it’s nonetheless within the works throughout The Ariel Helwani Present.
If Nurmagomedov faces Yadong on December 14th, he’ll take one other battle regardless of being seemingly subsequent in line for a title shot. UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili needs to return in early 2025, however with Ramadan shortly approaching, Nurmagomedov and Dvalishvili’s desired returns didn’t line up.
REPORTS: Umar Nurmagomedov takes one other prime contender battle in opposition to Tune Yadong
Nurmagomedov most lately defeated former interim UFC title challenger Cory Sandhagen at UFC Saudi Arabia. Umar, the cousin of UFC Corridor of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov, is undefeated in his skilled MMA profession.
Nurmagomedov has earned wins in opposition to the likes of Bekzat Almakhan, Raoni Barcelos, and Brian Kelleher throughout his promotional tenure. He made his UFC debut in 2021 following transient stints in PFL and GFC.
Yadong will earn himself one other high-profile matchup regardless of a loss to Petr Yan at UFC 299 in March. Earlier than the loss to Yan, Yadong was shortly shifting up the bantamweight ladder with wins over Chris Gutiérrez and Ricky Simón.
Yadong has earned wins in opposition to the likes of Marlon Vera, Marlon Moraes, and Casey Kenney throughout his UFC tenure. A loss to Sandhagen in Sept. 2022 paused his speedy ascent within the bantamweight Prime 15.
Yadong can have loads of prime wrestlers to work with forward of the battle. However, thus far in his profession, Nurmagomedov’s grappling has largely been a tough puzzle to resolve.
The total UFC Tampa card is predicted to be finalized within the coming weeks. The occasion options Mackenzie Dern vs. Amanda Ribas and the returns of Tracy Cortez and Manel Kape.