Merab Dvalishvili suspects Team Khabib ‘Bullsh**ting’ injury as an excuse ahead of UFC 311 clash 

UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili accused challenger Umar Nurmagomedov of lying about his injury.

Merab Dvalishvili suspects Team Khabib ‘Bullsh**ting’ injury as an excuse ahead of UFC 311 clash 

Merab Dvalishvili doesn't trust Umar Nurmagomedov's injury reports (via Imago/Instagram)

Merab Dvalishvili will defend his UFC bantamweight title this Saturday at UFC 311. The Georgian fighter will go against Team Khabib’s Umar Nurmagomedov in a much anticipated five-round clash. Going into the fight, Dvalishvili is laser-focused and is not ready to get distracted by any tricks.

Recent reports suggested that Umar Nurmagomedov had suffered an arm injury, sparking speculation among fans and experts. Many theorized that the champion might exploit this alleged weakness to gain an advantage. However, Merab Dvalishvili has dismissed these claims as a hoax.

He’s a bulls*** guy….I saw he was punching bags very good when he arrived in Vegas—you can go and see in the video he posted.

Merab Dvalishvili via MMA Fighting 

Dvalishvili and Nurmagomedov already had an online dispute over training timings in the UFC PI. According to the ‘Machine’, UFC tried to protect the challenger, but that won’t be the case inside the octagon. Going into the fight, the disturbance between both fighters has developed into a full-fledged rivalry. 

Dvalishvili believes he was disrespected by Team Khabib and he would take revenge at UFC 311. On the other hand, Nurmagomedov doesn’t think the champion can beat him in any way. All these questions will finally be answered as Dvalishvili has the opportunity to be great this Saturday.

Merab Dvalishvili’s coach discusses the fighter’s GOAT status

Merab Dvalishvili has been on an incredible run through his championship campaign. The fighter has gone through some of the biggest names such as Henry Cejudo, Petr Yan, Sean O’Malley, etc. In all those fights, he dominated his opponents with his relentless pressure and takedowns.

Merab Dvalishvili the bantamweight champion
Merab Dvalishvili the bantamweight champion (via X)

Dvalishvili’s resume is already stacked and the fighter has proved why he’s the best in the division. Recently, his coach John Wood did an interview talking ahead of UFC 311. During the conversation, the coach gave his prediction about the champion becoming the greatest of all time.

If Merab beats Umar, which I believe he will, I think there’s no question that he’s the bantamweight GOAT. Had all those guys that he beat been title defenses…it’s not even a question. No one’s had the path that Merab had. 

John Wood via Inside Fighting 

The ‘Machine’ is looking forward to carrying the same momentum against Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 311. However, the challenger is ready and is not taking this fight lightly. It would be interesting to see whether Wood’s predictions go right this weekend.

Related: Merab Dvalishvili nationality: Where is UFC’s bantamweight star from and his ethnicity?