First reported by Alex Behunin with Cageside Press, Jack Shore and Umar Nurmagomedov are expected to meet in the Octagon early next year. The bantamweight clash between two undefeated prospects is set to take place at a UFC event in March that is yet to be announced.
Shore was originally expected to face Said Nurmagomedov, no relation to retired UFC fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov. Due to an injury, Shore will now face Umar Nurmagomedov, who is related to Khabib. Both fighters will be looking to keep their undefeated records intact as they work their way up the UFC’s bantamweight rankings.
Someone’s O Gotta Go
Jack Shore (15-0, 4-0 UFC) has kept his undefeated streak intact since joining the UFC in 2019. In his first two bouts, Shore had matching rear-naked choke finishes. Shore then earned a decision victory over Hunter Azure at UFC on ABC 2. Most recently, he defeated Liudvik Sholinian in September.
Shore, who fights out of Abertillery, Wales made his professional debut in March 2016. Prior to the UFC, Shore was a mainstay with the Cage Warriors promotion amassing 10 victories under the banner culminating in winning the bantamweight championship at Cage Warriors 100. Six months later, it was announced that Shore had signed with the UFC.
Umar Nurmagomedov (13-0, 1-0 UFC) who hails from Dagestan, made his UFC debut in January 2021 against Sergey Morozov (17-4) and earned his first UFC victory via rear-naked choke. By the time he steps into the octagon for the second time, it will have been more than a year between bouts. In April, it was revealed that Nurmagomedov had undergone cruciate ligament surgery requiring at least six months of post-surgery rehabilitation.
Umar, the cousin of former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, has earned six of his victories via submission. Prior to signing with the UFC, the 25-year-old fought for the PLF and for GFC in Russia where he defeated current UFC fighter Saidyokub Kakhramonov.
The only other fight currently confirmed for the March card is Tom Aspinall vs. Shamil Abdurakhimov in a heavyweight showdown. The event does not have a location or venue as of yet. The UFC has been rumoured to return to London, but no official announcement has been made. No bout order has been announced. Card subject to change.
Follow me on Twitter at @SuperbeastCraig to see my latest work. Follow us on social media at @OTHeroicsMMA to stay up to date with all things MMA.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images and Embed from Getty Images