UFC bantamweight contender Umar Nurmagomedov has sent some advice the way of newly crowned champion Merab Dvalishvili.
Dvalishvili achieved his title ambitions on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage inside the unique surroundings of the Sphere last month, closing out the UFC 306 (Noche UFC) pay-per-view with a dominant display to dethrone Sean O’Malley.
With the result, the Georgian standout extended his winning run to 11, avenged teammate Aljamain Sterling’s loss to “Sugar” in 2023, and exited the cage with gold in his possession for the first time.
But according to the consensus next in line, Dvalishvili hasn’t adjusted well to life as champ…
Nurmagomedov Tells Dvalishvili He ‘Looks Bad’ After Comments About First Defense
During a recent interview with TMZ Sports, Nurmagomedov provided an update on his hopes to compete for the title next time out and reacted to Dvalishvili’s attempts to dismiss him as a worthy contender.
In addition to naming Deiveson Figueiredo as a more deserving challenger pre-fight, Dvalishvili snubbed the opportunity to set up a clash with Nurmagomedov inside the Octagon at UFC 306. And in the weeks since, the Georgian has even pitched a rematch with O’Malley.
Nurmagomedov has frequently hit back at the champ’s remarks. According to the Russian, Dvalishvili needs to start acting like a divisional kingpin instead of shying away from a threat to his rule.
“Right now, he’s champion. Everybody is pushing. But he’s looking very bad when Joe Rogan or UFC ask him in some interviews about me and he go away and says he can’t talk (pretends to stutter),” Nurmagomedov said. “He’s looking very bad. He has to talk like a champion. He has to be a champion. He has to know he can beat everybody. Right now, you have belt, you are number one.”
It remains to be seen when Nurmagomedov will have the opportunity to cash in on his expected title shot.
Regardless, the Dagestani plans on competing prior to Ramadan in 2025, be it in competition for Dvalishvili’s bantamweight gold or against another top contender at 135 pounds.
