Georgian Merab Dvalishvili is the “it” guy at the 135-pound mark following this year’s Noche pay-per-view headliner. Rightful bantamweight contender Umar Nurmagomedov has his eyes on gold and is still hoping to fight Merab. But the champion and his slithery demeanor are not things he is settling on very well. As he enters his second headlining stage of his career this year, Nurmagomedov took a shot as the challenger.
Nurmagomedov (18-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) emerged as the No. 1 contender after edging out Cory Sandhagen in the UFC on ABC 7 headliner in August. After which he became the natural wrestler-vs.-wrestler choice to test out. Dethroned bantamweight kingpin Sean O’Malley (18-2 MMA, 10-2 UFC) is dead-set he was robbed at Noche—something Dvalishvili is willing to resolve in a rematch. Given Dvalishvili’s absolute neglect, Nurmagomedov now slams his excuses.
He ready to fight with sugar in November
But with me notThat’s why Aljamain
…[different tweet] cheap excuseUmar Nurmagomedov via X (@UNmgdv)
Even before he won the title, Dvalishvili had dismissed Nurmagomedov as a legitimate contender. Nurmagomedov bills that ‘The Machine’ purposely tried to push for March—when Nurmagomedov has Ramadan. The fan clique picked up on it and took to social media on the same. Former bantamweight champ and Team Serra-Longo Fight Team partner Aljamain Sterling shared his opinion, saying a split in beliefs doesn’t mean he is ducking.
Hey Merab you know that Ramadan is in March and knowing this you insist on March, in February the tournament will be held in Australia and they won’t put us there.
There is a tournament in Los Angeles in January – let’s fight there, and there is enough time to prepare.
Stop…— Umar Nurmagomedov (@UNmgdv) October 2, 2024
He ready to fight with sugar in November
But with me notThat’s why Aljamain
— Umar Nurmagomedov (@UNmgdv) October 20, 2024
cheap excuse https://t.co/OJha8itKCu
— Umar Nurmagomedov (@UNmgdv) October 21, 2024
However, Nurmagomedov highly disagrees, given Dvalishvili was ready for a title rematch booking in November. Even ‘Suga’ saw the signs of avoidance as a clear opportunity to slide into the title shot after his hip labrum surgery. Aljo assures the champ just needs proper recovery and camp and that they’d fight at a later date. Anyway, that ship might’ve sailed already.
Title shot denied! Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Song Yadong booking floated as main event of the UFC Tampa card
Ranked #1 bantamweight contender Umar Nurmagomedov is to face No. 8-seeded Song Yadong in the final UFC main event of 2024. UFC Tampa will take place at the Amalie Arena on December 14th. The news comes from @RedCorner_MMA. Sources close to both teams later affirmed the date with SBNation Network.
The pivotal 135-pound showdown could mark Nurmagomedov’s second consecutive headlining spot. While somewhat out of pocket, it’s not entirely surprising. The unbeaten Russian tweeted that he won’t wait until after March 2025 to be crowned. However, it’s not entirely set in stone that the already No. 1-ranked fighter will make a case for title any further.
Dvalishvili touts winning and smacking the dangerous Petr Yan. Yadong is fresh off a disappointing Miami pay-per-view loss to Yan at UFC 299. Dvalishvili is already chipping away at Nurmagomedov’s value, doubling down on better opportunities. So, it’s a slippery slope so near the gold even if he wins.
If Merab is going to avoid me, I won’t wait for him. And I’ll fight with anyone UFC suggests before ramadan
— Umar Nurmagomedov (@UNmgdv) October 11, 2024
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
However, in what is probably now a defunct tweet, with Umar saying he is moving on, the champ supposedly accepted the challenge. Dvalishvili even tweeted he was ready for him, but to no avail. For now, this main event is not final in the slot. Leaving the Tampa card (UFC on ESPN 63) in a lurch, with Mackenzie Dern vs. Amanda Ribas rematch to feature the slot.
