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Norma Dumont Frustrated by UFC Matchmaking Struggles: “Nobody Wants to Fight Me”

The journey to a UFC title shot is rarely a straight line. Just ask Norma Dumont, who’s currently navigating one of the most frustrating periods of her career despite an impressive UFC run. The Brazilian contender recently opened up about her struggles to secure meaningful fights that could propel her toward a bantamweight title opportunity.

“It feels like I’m stuck in quicksand,” Dumont told reporters in São Paulo. “I keep winning fights, but nobody in the rankings wants to face me. How am I supposed to climb when everyone keeps dodging?”

The Invisible Contender: Dumont’s Uphill Battle

Norma Dumont isn’t exactly a household name among casual UFC fans, but her record speaks volumes. Since dropping to bantamweight, she’s been on a tear, yet high-profile matchups continue to elude her. The Brazilian fighter finds herself in that dangerous territory that top-ranked fighters hate – a high-risk, low-reward opponent.

I’ve spoken with several matchmakers in the past, and they all say the same thing: fighters with Dumont’s particular skill set – technically sound with excellent control and decision-making – often struggle to get the fights they deserve. They’re simply too dangerous without having the promotional star power to make the risk worthwhile.

“I understand the business side of things,” Dumont explained. “But at some point, merit has to matter. I’ve earned my opportunity.”

The Numbers Don’t Lie: Dumont’s Case for a Title Eliminator

UFC Record	Current Streak	Notable Wins	Weight Classes
6-2	3 fights	Felicia Spencer, Aspen Ladd, Karol Rosa	Featherweight, Bantamweight

The frustration is palpable when you consider Dumont’s recent performances. After initially competing at featherweight, her move to bantamweight has proven successful, and she’s clearly established herself as a legitimate threat in the division.

The Matchmaking Challenge: Why Top Fighters Avoid Dumont

Let’s be real – the UFC bantamweight division isn’t exactly overflowing with willing competitors for Dumont. Several factors contribute to this situation:

Dumont’s grappling-heavy style isn’t considered fan-friendly by some
Her relative lack of name recognition makes the risk/reward ratio unattractive
Her technical proficiency makes her a dangerous opponent for higher-ranked fighters
The division’s current focus on more marketable matchups

“You know what’s crazy? I’ve literally offered to fight anyone in the top 10. Anyone,” Dumont said. “But it seems like my phone calls go straight to voicemail.”

What’s Next for Dumont?

With the bantamweight title picture currently centered around Raquel Pennington’s reign, Dumont needs a signature win against a ranked opponent to force her way into the conversation. The question remains: who will finally step up?

Several potential matchups make sense for Dumont right now:

A fight against former champion Holly Holm could instantly elevate her profile
Rising contender Pannie Kianzad would make for an intriguing stylistic matchup
A bout against Irene Aldana could establish a clear contender

For fans of technical MMA, Dumont represents one of the division’s most underappreciated talents. Her grappling control and measured striking approach might not produce highlight-reel finishes, but her effectiveness is undeniable.

What do you think? Is Dumont being unfairly overlooked, or does she need to change her approach to secure bigger fights? The path to UFC gold is rarely straightforward, but for fighters like Dumont, it seems particularly winding.

The Champion’s Path Forward

If you’re reading this and thinking Dumont should just wait for her opportunity, that’s not how the UFC operates. In this promotion, the squeaky wheel often gets the grease – or in this case, the big fight.

Dumont needs to continue being vocal while backing it up in the cage. That combination – performance plus promotion – is typically what breaks through the matchmaking logjam.

As the bantamweight division continues to evolve post-Amanda Nunes, fighters like Dumont have a real opportunity to establish themselves as the next generation of contenders. The question remains: will she get the fights necessary to prove it?