Merab Dvalishvili will take on Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 311 with the bantamweight title on the line. Ahead of the bout, there are various speculations about how the fight could go. As the champion, Dvalishvili will defend his title for the first time and is expecting to continue his impressive UFC winning streak.
Umar Nurmagomedov’s teammate, Islam Makhachev, recently sat down with UFC legend Demetrious Johnson for an interview. During the conversation, the duo discussed UFC 311 and the co-main event. While comparing Nurmagomedov and Dvalishvili, Makhachev confidently highlighted the deciding factor, explaining what he believes will ultimately determine the outcome.
Merab is good. He knows what he have to do, he knows his game….he is a high level fighter. In my opinion, Umar has better striking… and he just needs to stop Merab’s wrestling.
Islam Makhachev via Demetrious Johnson’s YouTube channel
Makhachev gave the example of the Jose Aldo vs. Merab Dvalishvili fight where the Brazilian was able to defend the takedowns. However, due to his age, Aldo failed to capitalize on it. Nurmagomedov, however, is extremely fast and has good striking, which could be lethal for the champion.
📊Islam Makhachev breaks down Merab Dvalishvili vs. Umar Nurmagomedov.
“Umar has better striking… and he just needs to stop Merab’s wrestling. José Aldo stopped his wrestling, but his condition, being older, made him tired. However, Umar is young and very hungry.’
via:… pic.twitter.com/BmtqcXgvqO
— MMA.PROS.PICK (@MMAPROSPICK) January 7, 2025
Growing up in Dagestan and training with Khabib Nurmagomedov, Umar developed exceptional wrestling skills that set him apart. On top of that, his Muay Thai background makes him a dangerous strikers in the division. According to the challenger, compared to Cory Sandhagen, other opponents in the division don’t present the same level of difficulty.
Umar Nurmagomedov dismisses Merab Dvalishvili’s ability to finish opponents
Merab Dvalishvili is known for his relentless pace, exceptional cardio, and grappling-heavy fighting style that overwhelms his opponents. He utilizes constant forward pressure, combining chain wrestling with takedowns to exhaust his adversaries and dictate the tempo of the fight. He has done the same thing again and again to top fighters like Sean O’Malley, Petr Yan, Henry Cejudo, etc.
Merab Dvalishvili goes face-to-face against Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 311 (via Imago/Instagram)Dvalishvili doesn’t shy away from faking a punch and jumping for takedowns. With his record-breaking takedown attempts, he dominates by smothering opponents, denying them space. However, even after all this, the Georgian fighter’s career lacks many finishes and ‘Young Eagle’ finds that disappointing.
Who he’s finished? Nobody. He don’t have chokes, he didn’t knockout nobody. Yes, he have good condition…even when he takedown somebody, he can hold him. He can’t take back.
Umar Nurmagomedov via Pound 4 Pound Podcast
Going into the fight, the rivalry between both the fighters is already heated up and it is clearly visible. The ‘Machine’ wants to take Umar Nurmagomedov’s undefeated record and the Dagestani plans to capture the belt. It would be interesting to see who’s hunger dominates the other.
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