Merab Dvalishvili delivered a dominant performance against Sean O’Malley at UFC 306 to claim the bantamweight title. Rising contender, Umar Nurmagomedov and teammate Islam Makhachev shared their reaction on social media and seemingly issued a challenge to the new champion. Here is what happened:
Umar Nurmagomedov is currently undefeated and a rising star in the UFC’s bantamweight division. He was apparently left unimpressed by O’Malley’s performance. Sending out a tweet on X, the Dagestani remarked that he “expected more” from the former champion.
I expected more from Sean, Merab did his job well. I hope he won’t avoid the real challenger. In any case, I’m ready.
Umar Nurmagomedov on X
Nurmagomedov is a cousin of UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov. After a controversial matchup with Cory Sandhagen, the Dagestani signaled that he is ready for a title shot. His proposal came amidst ongoing speculation about who might be next in line for a title shot. The likelihood of an immediate rematch for O’Malley seems slim due to the one-sided nature of his defeat.
I expected more from Sean, Merab did his job well. I hope he won’t avoid the real challenger.
In any case, I’m ready.— Umar Nurmagomedov (@UNmgdv) September 15, 2024
Dvalishvili previously suggested that Nurmagomedov would be an “easy” fight. This builds anticipation for a potential clash. Both fighters bring elite wrestling and aggressive pressure to the octagon and their fight could potentially shape the future of the bantamweight division.
Nurmagomedov was present at UFC Noche. As such, Joe Rogan even questioned the new bantamweight champion regarding his next fight against the Dagestani.
Islam Makhachev pushes for Merab Dvalishvili vs. Umar Nurmagomedov
Umar Nurmagomedov was not the only one from Team Khabib pushing this fight. UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev took to X to promote this potential matchup too. The Dagestani congratulated Dvalishvili and wrote that the new bantamweight champion should fight his first title defense against the challenger in front of him.
Manager Ali Abdelaziz swept in as well, claiming that he had talked with the UFC and Umar Nurmagomedov was next in line for the title fight. But who does Merab Dvalishvili wish to fight next? Turns out he has his eyes on former two-time flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo.
Welcome to champions league Merab! Congrats!
Can’t wait to see your first defense vs Umar @UNmgdv
This is what champions do, defend the title against anyone who’s in front of us ! @ufc— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) September 15, 2024
At the post-fight press conference, the Georgian said that he was ready to fight whoever the UFC put in front of him. However, Deiveson Figueiredo is a fight that actually excites him. Even Figueiredo wants to take on the Georgian, suggesting a showdown later this year in December at UFC 310.
