Umar Nurmagomedov finds it amusing that Merab Dvalishvili is offended by his comments ahead of their UFC 311 fight, despite Dvalishvili’s attempts to discredit Nurmagomedov’s title shot and the UFC’s decision to have them face off.
Umar Nurmagomedov isn’t known for trash talk, but he’s amused by Merab Dvalishvili’s reaction. Apparently, Merab’s pretty ticked off about Umar’s comments before UFC 311.
Before their fight was official, Merab claimed Umar disrespected him. He thought Umar didn’t deserve a title shot after just six UFC fights. Things got tense at a UFC 311 press conference last December too.
Merab confronted Umar backstage, accusing him of disrespect. Umar’s response? “I said it ’cause I wanted to. What’re you gonna do?” Classic.
Umar doesn’t deny the interaction but thinks Merab’s anger is misplaced. The circumstances of their fight tell a different story.
“Of course, I remember,” Umar recalled at media day. He smiled at Merab and went on with his interview. Merab asked why he disrespected him, but Umar was like, “What are you talking about?”
Umar challenged anyone to find where he called Merab names or anything offensive. “Show me,” he said confidently.
In fact, Umar feels he should be upset. Why? Because Merab kept dismissing him as a legit contender for the bantamweight belt.
Merab went out of his way to prop up guys like Petr Yan and Sean O’Malley over Umar. He even made a video about it!
Umar just told Merab not to be scared. Dana White and Joe Rogan both backed him as the next challenger. Fans noticed Merab trying to dodge the fight.
Ultimately, Merab didn’t do himself any favors by pushing for other fights. The UFC had already decided who he’d face first in his title defense.
Umar thinks Merab’s only got himself to blame for how things turned out. “He’s nervous,” Umar observed. Maybe even upset with the UFC for pushing this fight.
When it comes to credentials, Umar doesn’t get why Merab’s so wound up. Title shots aren’t always straightforward; some fighters get there faster than others.
“Some fight for the title after one win,” Umar noted. “Some in their debut.”
He dismissed claims that his cousin Khabib’s name got him here. Aljamain Sterling fought after five wins—why can’t he after six?
Despite all the drama, Umar’s ready to settle it in the octagon. “I don’t care what he says,” he shrugged. Once that cage closes, it’s all about who’s best.