Team Khabib absolved from drama at UFC’s $14 million facility involving Merab Dvalishvili
Details about the UFC PI drama between Merab Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov emerged from one of the executives.
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Merab Dvalishvili was furious after being denied to enter UFC PI while Team Khabib were training (Image via Instagram)
Former undisputed UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov is currently mentoring several notable fighters from Dagestan. One of these fighters is Umar Nurmagomedov, who is ranked #3 in the UFC bantamweight division and is part of Team Khabib. Interestingly, a few months ago, Umar was slammed by the UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili.
The Georgian fighter had his reasons for lashing out at Umar Nurmagomedov. Interestingly, Merab Dvalishvili was denied entry to UFC’s multi-million dollar facility, the Performance Institute (PI), while Team Khabib, including Umar, was training there. Months later, Forrest Griffin, the Vice President of Athlete Development at the UFC PI, discussed this incident and revealed the reason for denying Dvalishvili entry.
(Dvalishvili) can’t use the mats when the mats are booked. That’s all. Not lock the door, like, you can come in here to do strength and conditioning, you can go in the recovery room, you can eat your meals, you can do all kinds of stuff. But you can’t go up on the mat when the guy you’re gonna fight is up and on the mats. Basically, it’s a first come first serve. If you book an area or a service, we will not let your competitor have it during the time you have it booked.
Forrest Griffin via JAXXON podcast
Since both Dvalishvili and Umar were already scheduled to clash at UFC 311, they needed to be kept apart. The Georgian fighter accused Team Khabib of receiving preferential treatment, but that was not the case. Griffin explained the rules and regulations that dictate what happens at the UFC Performance Institute. Interestingly, that was just one event during the heated rivalry between Dvalishvili and Umar.
The two UFC bantamweight fighters faced each other at the first UFC PPV event of 2025. The fight was a hard-fought battle that lasted five rounds, resulting in the defeat of Umar, a promising superstar from Team Khabib. With this victory, Dvalishvili successfully defended his UFC bantamweight title for the first time. Following the fight, the Georgian fighter received widespread praise from the UFC community.
Henry Cejudo has a renewed respect for Merab Dvalishvili after UFC 311
Since making his UFC debut in 2017, Merab Dvalishvili has overcome several formidable challenges. Currently, the Georgian fighter is enjoying an impressive 12-fight win streak. During this remarkable stretch, he has defeated top bantamweight fighters, including Henry Cejudo and Sean O’Malley. Speaking of Cejudo, the former UFC double champion has recently heaped praises on Dvalishvili.
Interestingly, the two fighters faced off at UFC 298, where Dvalishvili defeated Cejudo with a dominant performance. Prior to the fight, both UFC bantamweight fighters engaged in some intense trash talk. However, after the Georgian fighter’s impressive performance at UFC 311 against Umar Nurmagomedov, Cejudo praised Dvalishvili.
It gave me a whole another level of respect for Merab… It’s not like Merab beat the s**t [out of Nurmagomedov]. If you really wanna talk about it. If it was a full fight, damage, as a whole. I would probably give the fight to Umar. But, because it’s based on rounds, Merab still got 3.
Henry Cejudo via Home of Fight
Interestingly, Cejudo has expressed his desire to get revenge on Dvalishvili soon. However, before that happens, the former UFC double champion is currently scheduled to face off against Song Yadong in just a few days. Meanwhile, Dvalishvili is looking ahead to a potential clash against either Sean O’Malley or Petr Yan next.
Related: Merab Dvalishvili Net Worth, Endorsements, UFC contract, Girlfriend and House
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Nilaav Gogoi
(652 Articles Published)