Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Mario Bautista isn't an official title eliminator, but there's a good chance it produces the next bantamweight title challenger. According to UFC CEO Dana White, the winner will help their case by putting on a show at UFC 321 .

Nurmagomedov and Bautista are well-positioned to challenge Merab Dvalishvili if the champ beats Petr Yan at UFC 323. Nurmagomedov had the best showing against Dvalishvili in a failed bid for the title in January. A win over No. 2-ranked contender Nurmagomedov would extend Bautista's win streak to nine.

"I have a question for you, Dana," Nurmagomedov said at Thursday's pre-fight press conference. "Can I ask? Is it possible that me and Mario is a contender fight?"

"Could this fight be the contender fight?" White replied. "Go out there and

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