Merab Dvalishvili Reduces Umar Nurmagomedov Super Fight to Mere Sparring Match in Savage Comment

UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili makes fun of former rival Umar Nurmagomedov in a recent interview.

Merab Dvalishvili Reduces Umar Nurmagomedov Super Fight to Mere Sparring Match in Savage Comment

Merab Dvalishvili talks about his fight with Umar Nurmagomedov (via X)

UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili has defeated everybody he has come across in the last few years. His last fight was at UFC 311, where he went against Khabib’s cousin, Umar Nurmagomedov, in a highly anticipated matchup. Ahead of the fight, Nurmagomedov was expected to be the Georgian’s toughest opponent, but, the reality was totally different inside the cage.

In the early rounds, Nurmagomedov showed good striking skills and looked like dominating the champion with his sharp striking. However, in the later rounds, the ‘Machine’ took charge and continued to dominate, winning the bout via unanimous decision. In a recent interview with UFC, the champ made a sneaky comment while dissing Nurmagomedov for that disappointing performance inside the octagon.

I know, Umar, how good he was and how dangerous he was, but I was ready for this challenge. My game plan was to outstrike him, but I keep it smart. I started mixing up takedown attempts. I don’t feel any danger. I just felt that he was just another fighter, another sparring partner. As long as I keep at my best, I know I can win. Now, I showed the world. I beat Umar, I’m still champion and I want to keep this belt.

Merab Dvalishvili via UFC.com

Dvalishvili humiliated Nurmagomedov by trolling him mid-fight, taunting with gestures and sarcastic smiles while stuffing takedown attempts easily. He repeatedly emoted during exchanges, mocking the challenger’s efforts and showing complete control and psychological dominance.

By neutralizing Nurmagomedov’s wrestling, Dvalishvili shattered the Dagestani hype. Thereby, he proved his grappling superiority and exposed flaws in Nurmagomedov’s gas tank. The first time someone brought the fight to ‘Young Eagle’, he faltered. This could be the gameplan against Umar Nurmagomedov moving forward for everyone.

The crowd was shocked as everything happened in front of the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov, who couldn’t help as a coach. Following the bout, Umar revealed injuring his hand in the early rounds, which allegedly affected his performance negatively. However, Dvalishvili shared he suffered a staph infection and still overcame adversity, effectively nullifying any excuses from the Dagestani camp.

Merab Dvalishvili shares his next step as the bantamweight champion

Merab Dvalishvili’s dominance is undeniable, defeating top UFC veterans like Petr Yan, Jose Aldo, and Marlon Moraes with relentless pressure. Against top strikers like Sean O’Malley, he neutralized them with nonstop grappling and control, earning decisive victories. On top of that, Dvalishvili is well known for being a cardio monster and fighting at the same pace throughout the rounds.

Merab Dvalishvili's undeniable dominance and activity
Merab Dvalishvili’s undeniable dominance and activity (via X)

Currently, he is scheduled to have a bantamweight title rematch with O’Malley at UFC 316 in New Jersey. Going into the fight, the champion is the fan favourite and expected to carry his ongoing undefeated run. While Dvalishvili isn’t taking this fight lightly, he’s definitely confident and is already looking forward to his future plans.

I wanna be busy and like I said in the other interview, I will fight two more times this year. So looks like Cory Sandhagen is ready for me. We have never fought against each other, he’s great contender who has fought with everybody. He is a good fighter and beat a lot of guys in our division. I want to fight another time this year, probably in New York or in my new home Las Vegas.

Merab Dvalishvili via MMA Junkie

Cory Sandhagen has been a top bantamweight for some time now, but hasn’t received a title shot since late 2021. In his last bout, the American beat Deiveson Figueiredo to further prove his legitimacy as a top-ranked title challenger. Nevertheless, it would be interesting to see whether UFC sees potential in this and announces a title fight after UFC 316.

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