“Disgrace to 135” – Team Khabib and fans UPSET after Merab Dvalishvili continues to ignore UFC’s preferred matchup

Umar Nurmagomedov, a rising UFC bantamweight fighter, criticized Merab Dvalishvili for showing interest in a matchup against Petr Yan.

“Disgrace to 135” – Team Khabib and fans UPSET after Merab Dvalishvili continues to ignore UFC’s preferred matchup

Umar Nurmagomedov reacts to Merab Dvalishvili avoiding a matchup with him (Image via Bloody Elbow/Instagram)

In the UFC bantamweight division, several fighters are becoming accustomed to their rising prominence in the promotion. One notable name is the newly crowned UFC bantamweight (135-pound) champion, Merab Dvalishvili. Meanwhile, another rising star, Umar Nurmagomedov, has been seeking a title shot against Dvalishvili. However, the champion has consistently ignored Nurmagomedov’s requests.

The recent discussion about Merab Dvalishvili’s repeated avoidance of a fight with Umar Nurmagomedov has resurfaced. Last night, at UFC Macau, bantamweight contenders Petr Yan defeated Deiveson Figueiredo in a thrilling fight. Dvalishvili appeared interested in a rematch with the Russian fighter soon after. Ironically, the Georgian had expressed a desire to fight Figueiredo next before UFC Macau.

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The ‘Young Eagle,’ who noticed Dvalishvili showing interest in a fight against Yan, was quite displeased with the bantamweight champion. Even the Dagestani fighter’s teammates, including Khabib Nurmagomedov, urged Dvalishvili to fight Umar. Despite this pressure, the Georgian fighter believes other fighters including a rematch with Sean O’Malley remain better than facing the Young Eagle.

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The Dagestani fighter has begun criticizing the bantamweight champion for avoiding a matchup with him. Currently, the situation mainly involves a back-and-forth exchange of insults between Dvalishvili and the Young Eagle. Recently, the Dagestani fighter, along with many fans, responded to the bantamweight champion’s callout of Yan and expressed criticism towards Dvalishvili.

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Fight fans react to Merab Dvalishvili acknowledging a rematch against Petr Yan and avoiding Umar Nurmagomedov

At the Noche UFC event (UFC 306), Merab Dvalishvili became the new bantamweight champion. The Georgian fighter dominated his fight against Sean O’Malley, firmly establishing himself as the bantamweight king. Since then, rumors have intensified regarding Dvalishvili’s first title defense against Umar Nurmagomedov.

Merab Dvalishvili calls out Petr Yan
Merab Dvalishvili calls out Petr Yan (Image via Instagram/UFC)

A few weeks ago, UFC CEO Dana White announced that Dvalishvili’s first title defense fight would be against Nurmagomedov. However, after observing the newly crowned bantamweight champion’s constant refusal to acknowledge this matchup, fans have expressed their dissatisfaction with Dvalishvili. Many have shared their reactions on social media. Check out some of the responses below.

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Interestingly, some fight fans have compared Dvalishvili’s antics to those of Jon Jones. In recent months, the heavyweight champion has refused to acknowledge a potential fight against Tom Aspinall. Similarly, the bantamweight champion is doing the same with rising prospect Umar Nurmagomedov.

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