It’s been only a few months since Merab Dvalishvili became the UFC bantamweight champion of the world. Instead of taking some time off, the champ is ready to defend his title for the first time. The Georgian had to work a lot to become the champion and now he has drawn a comparison of himself with none other than Conor McGregor.
Merab Dvalishvili has consistently been one of the most entertaining fighters in recent memory. Even before capturing the title, he actively engaged in online beef and trash-talking to boost fan engagement. However, since becoming champion, the drama has escalated significantly, taking his antics to an entirely new level.
I’m still learning something, you know. I think the best way is now I should just stay busy, take fights, and that’s it. I’m going to enjoy this time. Now, I feel like I’m a Conor McGregor; a lot of drama comes, you know
Merab Dvalishvili via UFC YT Channel
Conor McGregor’s name is often tied to controversy and drama, a reputation that Merab Dvalishvili now faces. The Georigan fighter has frequently praised McGregor’s remarkable achievements, despite the controversies surrounding him in the UFC. Now, the bantamweight champion finds himself in a similar situation, facing the same kind of opponent McGregor experienced back at UFC 229.
Merab talks about all the drama in his life and on social media since becoming UFC champion.
He says he feels like Conor McGregor… Well, he’s about to lose to a Nurmagomedov just like Conor did…#UFC311
🎥: @ufc pic.twitter.com/xJEJRq2eH2
— JG (@JakeGerberMMA) December 29, 2024
McGregor vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov is the biggest MMA event of all time and currently, Dvalishvili is scheduled to fight Umar Nurmagomedov. Ahead of the fight, the rivalry and bad blood between both the fighters is palpable. It would be interesting to see whether Dvalishvili manages to get a different result than McGregor.
Umar Nurmagomedov’s coach addresses recent UFC PI drama with Merab Dvalishvili
Since the announcement of the fight between Umar Nurmagomedov and Merab Dvalishvili, the two have exchanged words multiple times. Their most recent encounter at the UFC 311 presser was particularly tense, setting the stage for their upcoming clash. The ‘Machine’ has repeatedly accused the Dagestani of disrespecting him and has vowed to settle the score inside the octagon.
Umar Nurmagomedov coach addresses Merab Dvalishvili’s recent claims (via X)Recently, Dvalishvili revealed that he was denied entry to the UFC PI while Team Khabib was inside. He then warned that he would defeat Umar Nurmagomedov in the octagon, where no one could protect him. In response, Nurmagomedov’s coach, Javier Mendez, addressed these claims and shared his perspective.
You want to train while Umar and Islam are already training there? How can you get upset at that?… I do know that if we’re already training there and you didn’t ask specifically for that particular time, and we were granted that time, then that’s on the UFC, not on us.
Javier Mendez via The Schmo’s YouTube channel
Other than Umar Nurmagomedov, Islam Makhachev from Team Khabib will also fight at UFC 311. As the coach, Khabib Nurmagomedov has been pretty busy and is expected to help his teammates win. It will be interesting to see how this rivalry goes down with the bantamweight title on the line.
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