Merab Dvalishvili acknowledges Umar Nurmagomedov as a formidable opponent for his bantamweight title defense at UFC 311 but expresses disappointment over Nurmagomedov’s perceived lack of merit and disrespectful attitude, despite his impressive 18-0 record.
Merab Dvalishvili knows Umar Nurmagomedov is a legitimate threat to his bantamweight title. But that doesn’t mean he should be fighting for the belt at UFC 311.
Preparing for his first title defense, Dvalishvili had hoped for a rematch with Petr Yan or Sean O’Malley. However, the UFC decided the undefeated Russian would be his next opponent.
Dvalishvili insists he never backed down from taking the fight. He was just disappointed with Nurmagomedov’s attitude, especially considering he only has one win over a top-ranked opponent.
“Umar is a good fighter, it’s a big challenge,” Dvalishvili shared in a new interview. “But he hasn’t earned it like the rest of us.”
He continued, “We all work hard to get here. I don’t get anything easy, but Umar somehow does.”
Nurmagomedov often complains that nobody wants to fight him, according to Dvalishvili. Yet there are many good fighters out there like Mario Bautista and Montel Jackson.
“He just fought Cory Sandhagen who has no wrestling,” Dvalishvili pointed out. “I guess he’s using this excuse because he beat the No. 2 guy.”
Dvalishvili believes Nurmagomedov gets opportunities more due to his last name than actual accomplishments in the octagon.
Nurmagomedov boasts an unblemished 18-0 record overall with six UFC wins. But he didn’t face many ranked opponents before getting his title shot.
That’s quite different from Dvalishvili’s path. He went undefeated in ten consecutive fights, defeating three former champions before earning his chance.
“It’s a big challenge, but he didn’t earn it like a real UFC fighter should,” Dvalishvili stated. “He’s cocky and disrespectful. That’s not what real men do.”
Now that the fight is set for Jan. 18, Dvalishvili is setting aside past grievances to prepare for war, as always.
Although he’s not fond of Nurmagomedov or how he got this title shot, Dvalishvili welcomes the chance to defeat another challenger.
“It’s going to be a good fight, a tough fight,” said Dvalishvili. “I’m aiming for the finish, but changing his zero to one loss will be satisfying.”
“I’m not fighting an easy opponent; it’s Umar Nurmagomedov,” he added. “A win against him in any way—except disqualification—will make me happy.”
Despite feeling there were more deserving opponents, Dvalishvili acknowledges the hype around Nurmagomedov and is eager to extinguish it at UFC 311.
“I welcome this challenge,” said Dvalishvili. “I want to give people what they want and give UFC what it wants. I’m tired of listening to Umar’s disrespect.”