In the highly anticipated co-main event of UFC 311, Umar Nurmagomedov will challenge Merab Dvalishvili for the bantamweight title. As the fight approaches, fans and analysts have been actively speculating about the potential outcome of this intriguing matchup. While both fighters are preparing rigorously for the showdown, Dvalishvili appears to hold a slight edge over the challenger.
Inside the UFC octagon, any minor advantage can decide the fate of the fight. Ahead of the fight, there were reports about Nurmagomedov suffering from an arm injury. In a recent interview, Sean O’Malley‘s coach Tim Welch talked about how the champion could potentially use this information to his benefit.
Umar has that broken arm. If I was Merab’s team, I would be going out there trying to kick that arm as hard as I f****** could and break that thing early on.
Tim Welch via Submission Radio
It’s only been a few months since O’Malley’s team went against Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306. Ahead of the fight, Welch was confident; however, the reality was different, and ‘Suga’ got dominated for five rounds. O’Malley is currently aiming for a title rematch and will keep a close look at the upcoming battle.
Dvalishvili is not renowned for striking but excels in taking opponents down and controlling them with relentless pressure. Nurmagomedov, however, is unconcerned, trusting his ability to dominate and finish opponents with his striking and submission. Their clash at UFC 311 is expected to showcase an intriguing battle of styles.
UFC legend shares Umar Nurmagomedov’s potential game plan against Merab Dvalishvili
The fight between Merab Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov has gained huge hype among fight fans due to its rivalry. Since the announcement of the fight, the bad blood between both fighters is palpable. Dvalishvili has repeatedly accused the Dagestani of being disrespectful and plans to take his zero-loss record at UFC 311.
Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 311 (via X)Nurmagomedov, on the other hand, believes that Dvalishvili didn’t want to fight him and was scared of losing his title. Former UFC champion Henry Cejudo recently talked about another fight on his social media. In a brief video, the legend revealed how the fight between both fighters could go.
Everybody’s thinking he might come in and wrestle. But who knows, he may use that lead leg that could be the key in order for, one, maybe set it up to get the knockout or, two, just fence him odd and stop him from wrestling.
Henry Cejudo via X
Will Umar Nurmagomedov’s TEEP be the KEY to securing a championship victory over Merab Dvalishvili? 👀🔑
What do you guys think Umar’s path to victory is?! 🤔⬇️
This video is brought to you by @stickermule
GET YO STICKY ON!!! pic.twitter.com/iJuALfJHhl
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) January 4, 2025
Cejudo has already fought against Dvalishvili and knows the fighter’s strengths and weaknesses. On the other hand, he has spent a considerable amount of time at Khabib Nurmagomedov‘s camp and has trained with Umar. It will be interesting to see how his expert opinions play out at UFC 311.
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