The highly anticipated bantamweight championship clash between Umar Nurmagomedov and Merab Dvalishvili is just around the corner. In the meantime, the bantamweight division is alive with discussions and speculations about the competitors. Recently, Nurmagomedov responded to comments made by former champion Sean O’Malley.
Merab Dvalishvili will defend his title against Umar Nurmagomedov in the co-main event of UFC 311. Sean O’Malley and his team’s support for the Georgian fighter has sparked a reaction from Nurmagomedov. Speaking in an exclusive interview with MMA Junkie, the ‘Young Eagle’ shared his tidbits on the former champion’s comments and gave an interesting theory behind it as well.
Whoever wins this fight, I think O’Malley is next. [O’Malley] wants Merab to win, not because of a rematch, he thinks Merab gonna be more easy than me… I will fight 3 times in this year. Perfect for me is June and October.
Umar Nurmagamedov via MMA Junkie
After being dominated by Dvalishvili at Noche UFC, O’Malley has eagerly seeked a rematch to reclaim his bantamweight title. However, instead of facing the former champion, the Georgian fighter is set to clash with Nurmagomedov. The ‘Young Eagle’ suggests that one reason O’Malley might favor Dvalishvili is that the Georgian fighter represents a comparatively easier matchup for the former champion.
Umar Nurmagomedov says he will fight 3 times this year, and believes that Sean O’Malley will face the winner of the fight between him and Merab:
“Whoever wins this fight, I think O’Malley is next. [O’Malley] wants Merab to win, not because of a rematch, he thinks Merab gonna be… pic.twitter.com/8fXKUrJIDd
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) January 10, 2025
Nurmagomedov further asserted his superiority over Dvalishvili with this statement. Meanwhile, O’Malley does not hold any animosity toward the Dagestani fighter. The Montana native actually wants Dvalishvili to win for one reason: he is interested in avenging his loss and reclaiming his title. However, for this to happen, Dvalishvili must first defend his title against Nurmagomedov at UFC 311.
Umar Nurmagomedov asserts confidence in his MMA skills to beat Merab Dvalishvili
The ‘Young Eagle’ hails from the Dagestan lineage of fighters, which includes notable names like Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov. Like them, Umar Nurmagomedov has an impressive record in the promotion. However, unlike Khabib and Makhachev, Umar is considered a more versatile fighter, known for his exceptional striking abilities, according to many top MMA analysts.
Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 311 (via X)Interestingly, Umar appears confident as he approaches his first UFC championship fight due to his impressive MMA skills. Entering the UFC 311 co-main event with an impressive six-fight UFC winning streak, the Young Eagle has made his current state of mind clear regarding his upcoming battle against Merab Dvalishvili.
In a fight, anything can happen. I can’t tell you this is not going to happen, never, ever. But this guy will not beat me. Never, ever. I can tell you this one. I don’t know about takedowns or something else, but he will be never beat me. He don’t have skills to beat me.
Umar Nurmagomedov via MMA Junkie
Umar Nurmagomedov is locked in 9 days from #UFC311. 😳
“In a fight, anything can happen. I can’t tell you, ‘This is not going to happen. Never, ever.’ But this guy will not beat me. Never, ever. I can tell you this one.”
(via @MikeBohn) pic.twitter.com/Sxw5Ygn9d1
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) January 10, 2025
Dvalishvili is filled with rage and animosity toward his upcoming challenger. The UFC bantamweight champion is unhappy with Umar’s deliberate attempts to criticize him. Consequently, Dvalishvili has vowed to humble the Dagestani fighter and teach him a lesson.
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