Umar Nurmagomedov is currently the top bantamweight title contender, and fans were hyped about him fighting Merab Dvalishvili. However, the newly crowned champion didn’t like that proposal and always discredited Nurmagomedov’s title contention. Now, fans are baffled by the latest news of Nurmagomedov fighting Song Yadong.
Latest reports suggest that UFC has finalized Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Song Yadong for December 14. It will take place the week after UFC 310 pay-per-view in Tampa, Florida. Popular reporter Ariel Helwani also talked about the fight and was positive about its possibility. This news has come at a point when fans expected the least.
Despite getting the cold shoulder from the champion, Team Khabib was confident about Umar Nurmagomedov getting a title shot next. However, the Dagestani recently showed his frustration over Dvalishvili’s attitude and was ready to fight someone else before Ramadan. It seems like in order to stay active, Nurmagomedov agreed to fight Yadong instead of waiting for the title shot.
BREAKING: Umar Nurmagomedov will face Song Yadong on December 14 in Tampa, Florida. Do you think Umar will get a title shot if he beats Yadong?
Follow @RedCorner.MMA for breaking news and exclusive content pic.twitter.com/hvGjSXS9ex
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) October 17, 2024
Ariel Helwani gives an update on the rumored Umar Nurmagomedov/Song Yadong fight.#HelwaniShow pic.twitter.com/Xf3nYJU9zT
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) October 17, 2024
The Georgian fighter recently teased to give Sean O’Malley a title rematch after ‘Suga’ complained about getting robbed at UFC 306. While many fans thought it was a running joke, seeing that happening shortly won’t be surprising. For the Georgian champion, fighting O’Malley will get him a bigger fight purse than fighting Nurmagomedov.
Fans react to Umar Nurmagomedov not fighting Merab Dvalishvili for the title next
At UFC 306, Merab Dvalishvili dominated Sean O’Malley for five rounds with his wrestling. It wasn’t surprising that fans saw the fighter doing that to many top strikers like Petr Yan and Jose Aldo during his title run. As a result, fans are hyped about Dvalishvili fighting Umar Nurmagomedov, who has an incredible mix of wrestling and striking.
Unfortunately, fans will now have to wait for a long time to see that fight. The Dagestani fighter will now take on Song Yadong in a five-round bantamweight main event. Here are some reactions to the latest development.
uhhh what? Don’t tell me they’re doing an immediate rematch. I hope this just means Merab is delaying and Umar is trying to keep himself busy. https://t.co/WaMvkLwoYS
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) October 17, 2024
Yeah Merab is ducking hard https://t.co/MiHhnbOmme
— Ali great guy Abdelaziz 🅛 (@Sad_Hill1) October 17, 2024
Why?
— Wizard🧙♂️🪄 (@mmawizardd) October 17, 2024
If this true then fuck a nigga like Merab. He was ready to fight Omally in November but then he wants to wait till March if it’s Umar
— Sean Gayland (@expertmma97) October 17, 2024
This is number 1 BS! He should be fighting for the title…smh
— Chenmania (@chenny88) October 17, 2024
UMAR A REAL ONE, MERAB WAS CLEARLY DUCKING.
— Dana White Privilege (@devilz_krypt) October 17, 2024
Merab ducking so hard 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
— Саня (@Russkiitopg) October 17, 2024
You are a pussy bro @MerabDvalishvil lol
— Yusuke (@GamblingYusuke) October 17, 2024
As expected, fans were disappointed with this match-up as they wanted to see Umar Nurmagomedov fighting Merab Dvalishvli next. Many called out the champion for ducking the Dagestani and choosing an easy way out. Despite not being an official announcement, this has put Dvalishvli in a bad light.