ANAHEIM, Calif. – Said Nurmagomedov is looking for a notable challenge after his clash with Cody Stamann on Saturday at UFC 270.
Nurmagomedov (14-2 MMA, 3-1 UFC) is currently on a three-fight winning streak in the bantamweight division and looking to extend that run against Stamann (19-4-1 MMA, 5-3-1 UFC) in their main card matchup at Honda Center. The card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and ESPN+.
Going into the matchup, Stamann has been expressing his interest in a future matchup with Sean O’Malley (15-1 MMA, 7-1 UFC), who is one of the most popular names in the division. Nurmagomedov, however, said he wants that fight for himself or a bout with Marlon Vera (18-7-1 MMA, 12-6 UFC) if he gets his hand raised this weekend.
“After him, I will fight Sean O’Malley, or I want to call out ‘Chito’ Vera,” Nurmagomedov told MMA Junkie and other reporters through an interpreter at Wednesday’s UFC 270 media day. “He knocked out Frankie Edgar, and I want to pay him back.”
For now, though, Nurmagomedov said he’s focused on the task at hand. He thinks Stamann is a legit opponent.
“Cody’s an experienced top 15 opponent,” NUrmagomedov said. “He’s got heavy top pressure and good wrestling.”
