As the newly crowned bantamweight champion, Merab Dvalishvili would much rather face former flyweight king Deiveson Figueiredo. However, UFC is moving toward booking undefeated contender, Umar Nurmagomedov. The 28-year-old is next in line for gold and plans to follow in the footsteps of fellow Dagestani Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Khabib retired with a record of 29-0 at 33 years of age, and Umar is keen to follow in his footsteps. Umar, who turns 29 in January, plans to fight three times a year. He dreams of moving into the ranks of Khabib, Kamaru Usman, Henry Cejudo, and other UFC legends. Umar has a large task at hand, as staying undefeated in the UFC is a daunting task. Umar is currently 18-0, with six wins in the UFC.
I have dream. I want to become close to Khabib. I want (to be) one line with Jon Jones, Khabib, Demetrious Johnson, GSP. For this goal I think I need five more years in this sport.
Umar Nurmagomedov via Pound 4 Pound with Kamaru Usman & Henry Cejudo Podcast
Dominating a sport undefeated and retiring early is what seems to be the tradition in the Nurmagomedov household. Khabib retired at 33, and Umar plans to follow this as he maps out his next five years in the sport. With a potential title fight against the newly crowned bantamweight champ in the works, he moves closer to reaching his dream.
With his six wins in the UFC, Umar could fight for the title next. Many are calling the title contender underserving. Fans believe he jumped the gun with his family name to land a title fight. Umar was quick to clap back at his doubters after he pointed out Ilia Topuria had the same record before fighting for the title. However, Umar’s camp believes it would be an easy fight and is ready for anything and anyone.
Umar Nurmagomedov’s longtime coach ready for title fight
Sean O’Malley lost his bantamweight title to Merab Dvalishvili by unanimous decision in the main event of UFC 306. It was later disclosed that he tore his labrum 10 weeks before the fight and is scheduled for surgery. During the post-fight, Dvalishvili didn’t seem too excited to call out the Chechen. This brought a scurry of criticism to the Georgian from fans, Islam Makhachev, and coach Javier Mendez.
Umar Nurmagomedov’s longtime coach Javier Mendez calls for Umar vs Merab next (via Imago)This fight would put on an elite showcase of wrestling and grappling, as both fighters are the best in the business. Umar’s camp is ready for the challenge, especially coach Mendez, who believes his student is sharper in the standup and on the ground. Though cardio could play a big role in a five-round fight, Mendez is not too worried.
I want it to be in Abu Dhabi, and the next one after Khamzat fights Whittaker, I want the next show in Abu Dhabi to be Umar vs. Merab. Another one that would be great is if Islam gets cleared to start training if they can do a double title in Abu Dhabi- wouldn’t that be something.
Coach Javier Mendez via Submission Radio
UFC 308 is set to happen in Abu Dhabi with Illia Topuria vs. Max Holloway headlining the card. With co-mains of Robert Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev and Ciryl Gane vs. Alexander Volkov, all set to fight. UFC plans to return to Abu Dhabi in January 2025 and has the potential for a banger card.
