In the UFC bantamweight division, several fighters are becoming accustomed to their rising prominence in the promotion. One notable name is the newly crowned UFC bantamweight (135-pound) champion, Merab Dvalishvili. Meanwhile, another rising star, Umar Nurmagomedov, has been seeking a title shot against Dvalishvili. However, the champion has consistently ignored Nurmagomedovโs requests.
The recent discussion about Merab Dvalishviliโs repeated avoidance of a fight with Umar Nurmagomedov has resurfaced. Last night, at UFC Macau, bantamweight contenders Petr Yan defeated Deiveson Figueiredo in a thrilling fight. Dvalishvili appeared interested in a rematch with the Russian fighter soon after. Ironically, the Georgian had expressed a desire to fight Figueiredo next before UFC Macau.
The โYoung Eagle,โ who noticed Dvalishvili showing interest in a fight against Yan, was quite displeased with the bantamweight champion. Even the Dagestani fighterโs teammates, including Khabib Nurmagomedov, urged Dvalishvili to fight Umar. Despite this pressure, the Georgian fighter believes other fighters including a rematch with Sean OโMalley remain better than facing the Young Eagle.
If I were him,
I wouldnโt want to fight me either.
Heโs right to be afraid.โ Umar Nurmagomedov (@UNmgdv) November 23, 2024
Someone, please tell him
That it looks terrible. https://t.co/2KEOz91SVMโ Umar Nurmagomedov (@UNmgdv) November 23, 2024
The Dagestani fighter has begun criticizing the bantamweight champion for avoiding a matchup with him. Currently, the situation mainly involves a back-and-forth exchange of insults between Dvalishvili and the Young Eagle. Recently, the Dagestani fighter, along with many fans, responded to the bantamweight championโs callout of Yan and expressed criticism towards Dvalishvili.
Fight fans react to Merab Dvalishvili acknowledging a rematch against Petr Yan and avoiding Umar Nurmagomedov
At the Noche UFC event (UFC 306), Merab Dvalishvili became the new bantamweight champion. The Georgian fighter dominated his fight against Sean OโMalley, firmly establishing himself as the bantamweight king. Since then, rumors have intensified regarding Dvalishviliโs first title defense against Umar Nurmagomedov.
Merab Dvalishvili calls out Petr Yan (Image via Instagram/UFC)A few weeks ago, UFC CEO Dana White announced that Dvalishviliโs first title defense fight would be against Nurmagomedov. However, after observing the newly crowned bantamweight championโs constant refusal to acknowledge this matchup, fans have expressed their dissatisfaction with Dvalishvili. Many have shared their reactions on social media. Check out some of the responses below.
Disgrace to 135. I miss suga
โ SugaShow4show (@TheFight4MMA) November 24, 2024
What about Umar? https://t.co/4eTmdN2KyT
โ DT (@darrentill2) November 23, 2024
Heโs not wrong. Yan just beat two hot contenders
Umar is only being mentioned because of his popularity and he got his first ranked win
โ CALLMEFANTA (@ITSDAFANTA) November 23, 2024
faking reactions for a you tube check is crazy as a ufc champ
โ a.m.f (@amfmma1_) November 24, 2024
Bro will do anything but fight Umar ๐คฃ๐คฃ๐คฃ๐คฃ๐คฃ
โ msio (@msiobtww) November 24, 2024
Itโs actually embarrassing how much Merab is ducking Umar pathetic bum ass champion
โ tonio (@ANTONIOEESPARZA) November 23, 2024
So funny how heโs dodging Umar but I donโt blame him Iโd do the same exact thing if I was tryna hold on to the belt for one more big paycheck.
โ ๐ฐ๐ชuแดสlษฦ (@Calkipngetich) November 24, 2024
He knows the belt is gone if he fights Umar ๐
โ vic (@victorchandd) November 23, 2024
Bro so pumped he donโt have to fight umar
โ Garett (@GxrettD) November 24, 2024
Just fight Umar brother
โ Covert Bets MMA (@CovertBetsMMA) November 24, 2024
Lmao shit sad how hard he duckin https://t.co/6IohX470PU
โ Bump (@_BumpTM) November 24, 2024
Every one called Jon a duck so what is this guy?
โ frinlee (@frinllee) November 24, 2024
Heโs doing his best impersonation of Jon Jones.
โ Armando c. (@colonarmando21) November 24, 2024
Interestingly, some fight fans have compared Dvalishviliโs antics to those of Jon Jones. In recent months, the heavyweight champion has refused to acknowledge a potential fight against Tom Aspinall. Similarly, the bantamweight champion is doing the same with rising prospect Umar Nurmagomedov.
