Umar Nurmagomedov believes Merab Dvalishvili is seeking easier opponents for quick paydays, suggesting Dvalishvili fears the challenge he presents in their upcoming bantamweight title fight at UFC 311.
Umar Nurmagomedov has a theory. He believes Merab Dvalishvili is on the hunt for easy paydays. This month, Nurmagomedov steps into the octagon against Dvalishvili for the bantamweight title at UFC 311. The lead-up? Short but fiery.
Initially, Dvalishvili dismissed Nurmagomedov as a worthy challenger. Instead, he sought rematches with Sean O’Malley and Petr Yan—fighters he’s already conquered. At the UFC 311 press conference, things got heated. Dvalishvili erupted, hurling insults at Nurmagomedov, calling him “a piece of shit.” Meanwhile, Nurmagomedov kept his cool.
Some fans think Dvalishvili’s dodging Nurmagomedov out of fear. But Nurmagomedov doesn’t buy it. “He just wants to fight someone he can beat,” Nurmagomedov said on the UFC’s YouTube channel. “It doesn’t mean I’ll definitely smash him. No. It’s just harder with me.”
Dvalishvili wants fights with O’Malley or Yan because, to him, they’re easy money. But Nurmagomedov? Not so much. “For me, he has to go deep waters,” Nurmagomedov added. “I won’t give him takedowns; he won’t control me.”
Nurmagomedov is confident in his skills—striking and otherwise. He predicts a long night for Dvalishvili. Inside the cage, it’s not about fear; it’s about battle readiness. Both men will try to dominate.
“I know he doesn’t want a risky fight,” Nurmagomedov continued. “He might beat me; it’s possible. But it won’t break me.” Odds favor Nurmagomedov nearly 3 to 1 over Dvalishvili—a daunting challenge for the champ.
“I can’t see how he’ll beat me,” Nurmagomedov asserted. “Maybe he’ll take me down once, but holding me? That’s another story.” He’s prepared for anything—even wrestling if needed.
UFC 311 is set for Jan. 18 at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif., headlined by a lightweight title bout between Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan. Expect fireworks!