Merab Dvalishvili asks Umar Nurmagomedov to check ‘Khabib privilege’ at door before questioning his identity
UFC champion Merab Dvalishvili slams Khabib Nurmagomedov's cousin and top contender Umar Nurmagomedov for his ignorant comments.
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Merab Dvalishv reminds Umar Nurmagomedov of his privilege due to his connection with Khabib Nurmagomedov (via Imago/Instagram)
Merab Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov are scheduled to fight for the bantamweight title this Saturday at UFC 311. The intense rivalry between the fighters has fueled significant drama, making their upcoming clash one of the year’s most anticipated bouts. During the pre-fight press conference, tensions boiled over as neither fighter backed down, resulting in a fiery war of words.
Nurmagomedov mocked Dvalishvili’s patriotism, questioning why the Georgian champion resides in the U.S. instead of his homeland. The challenger, hailing from Dagestan, highlighted his own practice of frequently traveling back home despite his demanding fight schedule. In response, Dvalishvili delivered a sharp rebuttal, reminding Nurmagomedov of the privilege.
I came here for work and I’m working hard and I’m grateful for America. I pay taxes and I’m a good citizen…Umar, he comes here stays free in his manager’s house and then go in Dagestan training free in his cousin’s gym. Unfortunately, I don’t have a cousin that has a big gym like Khabib has in Dagestan.
Merab Dvalishvili via ESPN MMA
Dvalishvili further stated his love for America and how he managed to build himself while working in the country. The fighter came to the US at the age of 21 and worked in construction in order to meet his ends. Simultaneously, he trained and achieved his dream of becoming the UFC champion.
🗣️ “Unfortunately I don’t have a cousin that has a big gym in Dagestan.”
— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) January 17, 2025
Merab Dvalishvili responds to Umar Nurmagomedov criticising him for training in America and not Georgia
🎥 #UFC311 official weigh-in show pic.twitter.com/jB2okYWW4z
On the other hand, as Dvalishvili said, Umar Nurmagomedov gets huge support from his cousin the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov. The ‘Eagle’ is known for being humble and financially supporting his teammates in training. As Islam Makhachev had once said, Nurmagomedov makes sure to rent all the hotels and transport for the whole team with his own money.
Khabib Nurmagomedov talks about Umar Nurmagomedov fighting Merab Dvalishvili
Umar Nurmagomedov has been calling out Merab Dvalishvili for a title shot since the Georgian became the champion. Initially, the ‘Machine’ was reluctant to give the challenger the opportunity. This created a narrative that the champion was scared of fighting the Dagestani.
However, the UFC finally made the fight official and Dvalishvili agreed to fight, but wanted to teach Nurmagomedov a lesson. According to the champion, the contender has repeatedly disrespected him. In the latest interview, Khabib Nurmagomedov spoke about his views about this match-up.
We’re going into the cage and we have to take that belt, and we’re going to show that Umar is the best. The difficulty was only because Merab didn’t want to fight. I believe that the UFC made Merab fight and they pressured him and they made him fight him. The UFC needed a co-main event fight.
Khabib Nurmagomedov via Gorilla Energy
Khabib believes the UFC forced Merab to fight Umar 😬
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) January 17, 2025
“I believe that the UFC made Merab fight and they pressured him… the UFC needed a co-main event.”
🎥 @gorillaenergy #UFC311 #UFC #MMApic.twitter.com/6hgbApfEXE
The ‘Eagle’ will have to coach two fighters on the same night back to back and plans to take home two UFC belts. Though Nurmagomedov doesn’t like coaching and wants to quit as soon as possible, he understands the responsibility he has. It will be interesting to see whether the ‘father’s plan’ finally comes to fruition at UFC 311.
Related: Merab Dvalishvili Net Worth, Endorsements, UFC contract, Girlfriend and House
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Ameetosh Dash
(893 Articles Published)