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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
MMA Junkie Staff

Vinicius Oliveira plots out bantamweight title path after UFC Saudi Arabia upset of Said Nurmagomedov

Vinicius Oliveira beat Said Nurmagomedov with a unanimous decision Saturday on the main card at UFC Fight Night 250 at ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Take a look inside the fight with Oliveira, who picked up a $50,000 bonus for Fight of the Night.

Vinicius Oliveira def. Said Nurmagomedov

Result: Vinicius Oliveira def. Said Nurmagomedov via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Updated records: Oliveira (22-3 MMA, 3-0 UFC), Nurmagomedov (18-4 MMA, 7-3 UFC)
Key stats: Oliveira stuffed eight of Nurmagomedov’s nine takedown attempts and landed three of his own for more than 7 minutes of control time.

Oliveira on the fight’s key moment

“I surprised many people around the world. I wasn’t 100 percent and I (was hurt in the ribs) and feel some pain. But I did my best. It was a surprise for everyone, but not for me because I expected that.”

Vinicius Oliveira def. Said Nurmagomedov, UFC Fight Night 250 (via UFC)

Oliveira on his confidence

“I always think I’m the best fighter in this organization. I don’t know how, but I just think that every single time. Now I can prove it because I’ve fought injured, I’ve fought tired. This fight was really a challenge for me – that I can beat a Russian (Dagestani) fighter in his (home region).”

Oliveira on what he wants next

“Now Dana (White) and the UFC can give me another (tough opponent) so I can prove I’m the best. … I was an underdog, and I like being that. But I believe in my job, I believe in my coach, I believe in my chin – and I’m 100 percent ready to fight for the belt. This year, 2025, I’d like to do at least three fights this year and by the end of the year, be fighting for the belt. I think I deserve that.”

https://x.com/UFCNews/status/1885768011623403829

To hear more from Oliveira, check out his post-fight interview above.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 250.

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