Merab Dvalishvili will defend his UFC bantamweight title against Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 311 next month. Ahead of the fight, both fighters have developed a fierce rivalry. As it turns out, in order to avoid any more last-minute mishaps, the UFC has taken every single precaution.
Merab Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov came face to face during the first press of UFC 311. During the conversation, both fighters traded a variety of insults and had a very intense faceoff. Recently, the Georgian champion found out that UFC was trying to keep both of them separated before the fight.
I’m here out front of the UFC P.I., and security don’t let me go in because they said, ‘Umar Nurmagomedov is inside,’ and they are protecting him. I’m going to smash this guy because of all the disrespect, all the lies he was saying…..You better show up, Umar….Don’t worry, I’m not going to punch you before the fight. Jan. 18th, no one will protect you
Merab Dvalishvili via X
Merab Dvalishvili is infamous for getting into altercations with fans after simple provocations. In the past, the champion has had this kind of situation multiple times and the UFC doesn’t want that to happen before the fight. Given the rivalry, the hype behind the fight is massive.
It’s all good – this guy will get what is coming to him on January 18th. #ufc311 🦾🇬🇪🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/hC8YN6vkX9
— Merab “The Machine” Dvalishvili (@MerabDvalishvil) December 23, 2024
Dvalishvili worked very hard and went through a number of top fighters to get his title shot. On the contrary, Umar Nurmagomedov got to skip the line as he was able to beat the number two ranked fighter. This has not sat well with the champion who is eager to teach Nurmagomedov a lesson.
UFC legend praises Umar Nurmagomedov’s skill set against Merab Dvalishvili
After Khabib Nurmagomedov’s retirement, it was Islam Makhachev who carried the Dagestani legacy in the UFC. Now, Team Khabib has put their faith in Umar Nurmagomedov to do the same and capture the bantamweight title. Both Islam Makhachev and Umar are scheduled to fight at UFC 311.
Umar Nurmagomedov fights Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 311 (via Imago)While Umar will hunt for the belt, Makhachev will be defending it against top contender Arman Tsarukyan. Unlike Merab Dvalishvili, Nurmagomedov hasn’t proven himself against many top fighters. However, UFC veteran Luke Rockhold, who has trained with him understands Nurmagomedov’s capabilities.
Umar has always had it; he’s always been that next generation of fighters. You had Khabib, who was incredibly strong in grappling, then Islam, who brought a more dynamic striking game. Umar is the next evolution…He can outstrike Merab, and if Merab shoots in, Umar can counter him, get to his back, and take a dominant position.
Luke Rockhold via The JAXXON Podcast
Khabib Nurmagomedov has invited MMA legends Demetrious Johnson and Henry Cejudo to assist with training camp preparations. The ‘Eagle’ will personally coach both the fighters at UFC 311, adding excitement to an already highly anticipated event. Fans are eager to see if both Dagestani fighters can achieve a clean sweep at this thrilling event.
Stay Updated!
Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.
