Umar Nurmagomedov hopes Merab Dvalishvili makes it to UFC 311 to fight him. But given the charged banter they have had for it, it’s being anything but sporting. Nurmagomedov wants to clear some things up before entering the title foray when they make it.
Merab Dvalishvili billed that Umar Nurmagomedov was unworthy and only got a shot riding on the coattails of cousin Khabib Nurmagomedov. Dvalishvili faced much flak for it. Now, Umar says it’s his own doing that fans regard him as a ‘duck’ in this discourse.
After his fight, when he…when UFC push him, Joe Rogan…say [next] opponent Umar next – what do you think, and he doesn’t say nothing he just said Thank you Dana White! He tried to [continue] avoiding it’s not of because of I do – it’s his mistake
Umar Nurmagomedov to Brett Okamoto for ESPN MMA (@ESPNMMA)
Dvalishvili had to put together a 10-fight winning streak to get his title shot. As such, he believes Nurmagomedov hasn’t done enough. He also often disregards him for having a single ranked opponent to his name, against Cory Sandhagen. At his own fighter check-ins with Megan Olivi (@ESPNMMA), he even vented some frustration.
The Georgian is of the opinion that Nurmagomedov should be humble at least, and not disrespect and lie. ‘Young Eagle’ said that his pre-fight banter just looks into the scope of the fight itself. It wasn’t to disrespect or lie. This also stems from the fact that he had once poked Dvalishvili for angling for a matchup during the Ramadan phase in March. All in all, he isn’t surprised if the champ pulls out.
Merab Dvalishvili’s withdrawal from UFC 311 wouldn’t surprise Umar Nurmagomedov
Umar Nurmagomedov challenges Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 311 hoping for a big upset. At DraftKings, Nurmagomedov is a massive -290 favorite to stay undefeated and dethrone Dvalishvili, who is a +235 underdog. However, this buildup has been anything but about a wrestler vs. wrestler mettle.
UFC 311 title challenger Umar Nurmagomedov is preparing for all possibilities (Source: X)Dvalishvili has been vocal about his lack of desire to fight Nurmagomedov. There’s also his belief that Nurmagomedov is an unworthy title challenger. On the topic, if he was worrying that Dvalishvili wouldn’t make it, Nurmagomedov didn’t rule it out.
I will not [be] surprised, and nobody will surprised, …Even right now I saw commentary or on Twitter they said he will pull out, but he never pulled out before. I hope he will not, and the fight is going to happen…With me, it’s going to be hard. That’s why he’s trying to be a champion for a long time, and he wants to fight with O’Malley, with Petr Yan, or someone else because these guys, easy money. Me, no. For me, he has to go deep waters. With me it’s going to be a long night.
Umar Nurmagomedov further said
Dvalishvili, ready for a rematch with Sean O’Malley and Petr Yan, has Nurmagomedov on the edge. He thinks Dvalishvili knows the challenge he is facing. The wrestler vs. wrestler skill test has been the one to go to since UFC 306. But the challenger has been on ropes with the blatant disregard from Dvalishvili. However, Nurmagomedov promises he is different and won’t easily give his back in a takedown.
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