Merab Dvalishvili’s refusal to recognize Umar Nurmagomedov as #1 contender ‘strange’, says Javier Mendez

Javier Mendez doesn't get UFC champ Merab Dvalishvili avoiding Umar Nurmagomedov after Noche UFC (UFC 306) win over Sean O'Malley.

Merab Dvalishvili’s refusal to recognize Umar Nurmagomedov as #1 contender ‘strange’, says Javier Mendez

Merab Dvalishvili insisting Umar Nurmagomedov not worthy confuses Javier Mendez (Source: IMAGO/X)

Sean O’Malley’s push toward becoming the UFC’s next big thing suffered a blow at the weekend’s UFC 306 PPV. ‘Suga’ coughed up the bantamweight gold to Merab Dvalishvili in a unanimous decision title loss. Dvalishvili’s post-fight disposition suggests he doesn’t want to fight next-in-line Umar Nurmagomedov. AKA coach Javier Mendez does not understand the sentiment at all.

Dvalishvili (18-4 MMA, 11-2 UFC) outpointed Sean O’Malley with dominant grappling en route to a five-round win. During his post-fight conference and octagon interview, Dvalishvili again veered to Deiveson Figueiredo as a more worthy challenger. Speaking to Denis Shkuratov, Javier Mendez has some logistical issues with that.

I don’t know what the hell to think...because how can you say the other person is more deserving when the ranking put Umar as No. 2? And they also promised Umar the fight or whoever the winner was going to be between Sandhagen and Umar that they would get the next title shot...Why Merab is trying to maybe avoid him – I don’t know if he is or isn’t. I really don’t know. It’s weird.
Javier Mendez to Denis Shkuratov for the ‘Submission Radio’ Show for SBNation Netwrok (?: @SubmissionRadio on YT)
YouTube video

Javier Mendez admits that he initially hoped Nurmagomedov would have fought the bigger star Sean O’Malley for the title. ‘Suga’ is a top draw with a fan following and a 2024 ESPY for Best UFC Fighter Award recipient. The head coach also believes Umar Nurmagomedov would’ve done more damage on the ground against O’Malley. Now, the wrestler-vs-wrestler allure is becoming a top point.

FS Video

The UFC appears to have already decided who they want to be the first to challenge Dvalishvili. Undefeated contender Umar Nurmagomedov (18-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) was on the telecast after wrapping the belt around Dvalishvili. All indications are he’s next. However, ‘Machine’ seems to have his own choice. Mendez thinks that it comes off unchampion-like.

RELATED
“Already trying to duck Umar” – Distracted ‘meme guy’ Merab Dvalishvili under fire for interest in Deiveson Figueiredo after UFC 306
Merab Dvalishvili posts meme on Deiveson Figueiredo, before Noche UFC shodown with Sean O'Malley

Javier Mendez pokes at Merab Dvalishvili to be ‘real champion’

After the UFC on ABC 7 main event, UFC CEO Dana White billed Umar Nurmagomedov as next in line to earn gold. The Russian bantamweight outpointed Cory Sandhagen at the Etihad Arena in August. However, Merab Dvalishvili’s stance remained fixated on Figgy.

Merab Dvalishvili advised to act like champion after UFC 306 Noche win vs. Sean O'Malley
Merab Dvalishvili advised to act like champion after UFC 306 Noche win vs. Sean O’Malley (Source: Instagram)

Nurmagomedov attended for the LV ‘Sphere’ UFC 306 PPV. The fighter himself, and even AKA comrade Islam Makhachev have doubled down on choosing right when the Georgian allegedly didn’t. Dvalishvili argues that Figueiredo (24-3-1 MMA, 13-3-1 UFC) is a former divisional champ. He also touts wins over Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera, Rob Font, and Cody Garbrandt in the bantamweight division.

RELATED
Umar Nurmagomedov CLAPS BACK at haters claiming Khabib Nurmagomedov’s influence for title shot
Umar Nurmagomedov addresses criticism regadinging Khabib Nurmagomedov connnections

The Georgian champ also presents that, unlike Figgy, Nurmagomedov has a win over only one opponent ranked in top 15 Athlete rankings [#4 Sandhagen]. Javier Mendez gives his take on the champion mentality and the grind he teaches.

My fighters, ...what I tell them is, when you’re the champion, you just get ready to fight whoever they put in front of you, you fight. If you’re not a real champion, then fine – pick who you want to pick. But if you’re the real champion, you fight. The only thing you should be able to choose is the dates.
Javier Mendez further said to Denis Shkuratov for the ‘Submission Radio’ Show

As for Nurmagomedov, Merab Dvalishvili suggested fighting Petr Yan (17-5 MMA, 9-4 UFC) for a number one contender spot. He feels that just one win over a top contender isn’t enough. Yan snapped his three-fight losing skid at the UFC 299 PPV with a win over Song Yadong, the same card as Sean O’Malley.

RELATED
“I deserve to fight for the championship next,” Deiveson Figueiredo shuts down matchup with Petr Yan after UFC 300
Deiveson Figueiredo vs Petr Yan shot down by former champion at UFC 300

Yan is gunning for the final numbered Pay-per-view year event, UFC 310 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Whether or not Umar is the fight to make is yet up in the air. There is a possibility he could end up facing Deiveson Figueiredo. In any case, the Dagestani bantamweight is ready.