Merab Dvalishvili is just a few weeks away from getting the fight he has always wanted. The UFC bantamweight will take on division champion, Sean O’Malley at UFC 306 this September. But there are other contenders such as Umar Nurmagomedov fast approaching their title shot. Here is what ‘The Machine’ had to say:
Merab Dvalishvili recently sat down for a conversation with Helen Yee. During the interview on her YouTube channel, the bantamweight title contender shared his thoughts on Umar Nurmagomedov’s recent win over #2 ranked Cory Sandhagen at UFC Abu Dhabi.
That was a good fight, Umar win this fight congratulations to him. That was a good gift from the UFC. From number 11, no fight nobody in the top 15 to fight number two. Cory was supposed to be next for the title I believe, but now, I am sorry Cory but goodbye for the belt long time.
Merab Dvalishvili on Helen Yee’s YouTube channel
Looks like Dvalishvili does not believe the Dagestani deserved to fight the #2 ranked contender without fighting his way up the division. After the fight, Nurmagomedov made a callout for the title shot next. Moreover, ‘The Machine’ felt that Sandhagen could have been next in line if not for the recent loss.
Merab Dvalishvili reacts to Umar Nurmagomedov’s win over Cory Sandhagen, and remains adamant that he was given a “gift from UFC”
He also believes that Deiveson Figueiredo deserves the title shot over Umar Nurmagomedov
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Their fight went the distance. However, the Dagestani ultimately walked out with the win via unanimous decision. Now he may face the winner of O’Malley vs. Dvalishvili who are set to headline the main event at UFC 306 this September at the Sphere in Las Vegas.
Who does Merab Dvalishvili think should get the bantamweight title shot instead?
In the same interview with Helen Yee, Merab Dvalishvili expressed that Deiveson Figueiredo deserves a bantamweight title shot more than Umar Nurmagomedov. Dvalishvili argued that Figueiredo is a former flyweight champion who has proven himself in the division.
Marlon Vera’s loss against Deiveson Figueiredo (via X) The same night in Abu Dhabi that Nurmagomedov beat Sandhagen, Deiveson Figueiredo secured a unanimous decision victory over Marlon “Chito” Vera. This was Figueiredo’s third consecutive win since moving up from the flyweight division.
I think Figueiredo deserve more because he beat former champion and he beat Chito. He dominated Chito. Figueiredo, he is big name.
Merab Dvalishvili on Helen Yee’s YouTube channel
Deiveson Figueiredo too recently commented stating that he believes Sean O’Malley would be the easiest opponent for him compared to Merab Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov. Figueiredo highlighted that both Dvalishvili and Nurmagomedov present more challenging grappling threats, which would make those fights more difficult. Therefore, he believes he can deal with O’Malley’s striking much more easily.
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