Team Khabib explains how Merab Dvalishvili’s showboating stripped legendary record from Umar Nurmagomedov

Umar Nurmagomedov's coach, Javier Mendez, talks about Merab Dvalishvili's tactics, which won him the title fight at UFC 311.

Team Khabib explains how Merab Dvalishvili’s showboating stripped legendary record from Umar Nurmagomedov

Merab Dvalishvili's antics swayed the judges against Umar Nurmagomedov (via X)

Merab Dvalishvili defended his title at UFC 311, beating Umar Nurmagomedov and handing him his first professional loss. The Georgian champion’s relentless pace and wrestling overwhelmed the previously undefeated Dagestani, earning him a unanimous decision victory. However, coach Javier Mendez believes that there was a particular reason that impacted the results towards the end of the bout. 

Going into the fight, Nurmagomedov was the fan favorite, riding strong momentum and supported by cousin Khabib Nurmagomedov’s legendary team. However, Merab Dvalishvili made fun of the whole team with his antics, shouting and emoting in the middle of the bout. Mendez, in a recent interview, stated that although Umar landed more strikes, Merab’s tactics and control impressed the judges more. 

I told Umar, the reason why you didn’t win in the fifth round is because he showboated his way to winning that like he acted like the victor when you were tired and that’s why I feel he basically took it from you, because you let him….The actual damage that he did was nothing compared to what Umar did. He did show that, ‘I’m the winner….Umar couldn’t stop him from showing that. I can see how the judges get swayed by that.

Javier Mendez via The Javier and Mo Show

In the early rounds, Nurmagomedov looked extremely sharp and won most of the striking exchanges. However, Dvalishvili’s relentless cardio and pressure wore him down, shifting the fight’s momentum in the later rounds. All Nurmagomedov did was defend multiple takedowns and circle backward, giving judges no reason to favor him.

Following the bout, it was revealed that Nurmagomedov broke his hand early, significantly affecting his striking output and overall performance. Fans largely dismissed the injury excuse, especially after the champion disclosed he had been battling a staph infection before the fight. Regardless of everything, ‘The Machine’ must now focus fully on the next challenge awaiting him ahead.

Merab Dvalishvili’s next bantamweight title fight 

Merab Dvalishvili won the bantamweight title by dominating Sean O’Malley at UFC 306 in a stunning performance. Though both showed interest in an immediate rematch, Dvalishvili prioritized handling the dangerous rising contender Umar Nurmagomedov first. With that challenge behind him, and Dana White confirming UFC 316, all eyes are back on him versus ‘Suga.’

Merab Dvalishvili's upcoming rematch with Sean O'Malley
Merab Dvalishvili’s upcoming rematch with Sean O’Malley (via X)

O’Malley was extremely disappointed with his last performance and recently revealed that he was suffering from a groin injury. According to the American fighter, it affected his fight, but in the rematch, he would give a way better performance. Suga has made several changes in his fight camp and recently shed lights on it in an podcast.

I feel like a lot of things that have changed in my life are going to attribute to my performance… I don’t get on social media, and I feel like that’s changed my life. It’s only been three months, but I literally feel like it’s changed my life, and I feel like that’s going to play a role in my performance. All those little things –making decisions like that, sacrifices.

Sean O’Malley via The TimboSugar Show 

O’Malley is a sniper and remains well known for his knockout abilities and can use it against Dvalishvili. His reach advantage and ability to maintain distance can help him in avoiding Dvalishvili’s relentless takedown attempts effectively. If he stuffs key takedowns late, then capitalizes on Merab’s fatigue with volume striking, he could secure a decision win.

Is Merab Dvalishvili already a GOAT bantamweight?

Merab Dvalishvili has built a successful career with his dominant win streak, elite cardio, and relentless wrestling pressure in every fight. He holds wins over legends like Petr Yan, Jose Aldo, Henry Cejudo, etc., showcasing dominance against elite competition consistently. He recently broke the UFC takedown record of the UFC and stands No. 1 at bantamweight as well, given his relentless style and unmatched pace.

Merab Dvalishvili is close to becoming a bantamweight GOAT
Merab Dvalishvili is close to becoming a bantamweight GOAT (via X)

The Georgian fighter likes to smother his opponents and tire them out, and demolish them in the later rounds. With a title reign and more defenses, Dvalishvili could become the undisputed GOAT of the bantamweight division in UFC history.

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