Merab Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov will battle for the bantamweight title at UFC 311. Their growing rivalry has added excitement to the matchup, making it one of the most highly anticipated fights of January. Interestingly, Dvalishvili initially hesitated to accept the bout, raising questions about the champion’s confidence and readiness for the challenge.
Umar Nurmagomedov has claimed to understand the true reason behind Dvalishvili’s reluctance, fueling further intrigue and tension leading up to the fight. The Dagestani star recently did an interview with Bret Okamoto where spoke about the upcoming challenge. During the conversation, the top challenger tried to explain what exactly the Georgian fighter had planned before.
He knows, other guys, he will beat. But me it’s gonna be hard. That’s why he want to fight with O’Malley, Petr Yan or someone else. These guys, easy money. Me not. For me he gave to go deep waters.
Umar Nurmagomedov via UFC
Ever since Merab Dvalishvili became the champion at UFC 306, Nurmagomedov has called out for the title shot. However, the champion didn’t think the Dagestani deserved the spot and wanted to fight other top bantamweights. At one time, Dvalishvili even considered giving Sean O’Malley a title rematch, which further pushed the public opinion against him.
“I can wrestle too, don’t forget!”
Umar Nurmagomedov says he can’t imagine how Merab could beat him and states that he’s the only person who can take him to deep waters 🦈
🎥: @ufc pic.twitter.com/rx8SU6dHBP
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) January 1, 2025
Team Khabib and many other fans claimed that the champion was scared to fight Umar Nurmagomedov. Finally, the UFC made the official announcement and Dvalishvili revealed that he felt disrespected by Nurmagomedov. Since then, the newly crowned champion has promised to teach the new challenger a lesson at UFC 311.
Umar Nurmagomedov doesn’t he would lose to Merab Dvalishvili
Merab Dvalishvili is currently on an 11-fight win streak and has dominated most of his opponents in the past. He is known for his relentless pressure and the ability to take down his opponents and control them. The fighter did the same with Sean O’Malley and made the former champion helpless.
Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Merab Dvalishvili faceoff (via MMA Fighting)The bantamweight champion has confidently stated he would impose his will on Nurmagomedov, but the challenger brings unique challenges to the table. Nurmagomedov’s crisp striking and grappling makes him a dangerous opponent.
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I can’t imagine how he can beat me. He can hold me, okay. Maybe he will take me down but he have to hold me there, he can’t….I can wrestle too, don’t forget about that. But I can finish him.
Umar Nurmagomedov via UFC
He’s definitely going to submit him. 19-0🦅 pic.twitter.com/BwcrgTDCiv
— 🏔️ (@Bibishiren) January 1, 2025
Nurmagomedov will also have the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov in his corner, who is regarded as a cheat code as a coach. The ‘Eagle’ will have a busy night coaching in both the co-main event and the main event which features Islam Makhachev. Going into UFC 311, Team Khabib is expecting to come out with two UFC championship belts.
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