Umar Nurmagomedov gets sidelined as UFC champ Merab Dvalishvili names two superstars as next opponents

After defeating Umar Nurmagomedov, reigning UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili revealed the names of his next potential opponents.

Umar Nurmagomedov gets sidelined as UFC champ Merab Dvalishvili names two superstars as next opponents

Merab Dvalishvili does not want to fight Umar Nurmagomedov next (Image via MMA Mania/Instagram)

The first UFC pay-per-view event (UFC 311) of 2025 showcased an impressive lineup of champions and contenders from the UFC roster. Notably, the bantamweight title fight featured champion Merab Dvalishvili facing off against contender Umar Nurmagomedov. A month after the title bout, Dvalishvili revealed the names of the next fighters he hopes to face.

Despite having an impressive unbeaten record, Umar Nurmagomedov fell short against Merab Dvalishvili, missing his chance for a title opportunity in the UFC. Unfortunately, it appears that Nurmagomedov won’t be getting that opportunity in the promotion any time soon. In a recent interview with Southern Cross Combat, Dvalishvili expressed his desire for a rematch with any of his former rivals.

Actually, I think my thoughts and UFC’s plans is same. I want one of the rematch, either Sean O’Malley or Petr Yan and I think UFC wants same. My next fight should be in April or June and I’m ready…

Merab Dvalishvili via Southern Cross Combat
YouTube video

Dvalishvili particularly named Sean O’Malley and Petr Yan as two of the suitable opponents for his next fight outing in the UFC. Interestingly, the Georgian fighter is currently riding on an impressive 12-fight win streak. During that victorious run, Dvalishvili defeated both Yan and O’Malley. Back in March 2023, the Georgian fighter dominated the Russian fighter, and won via unanimous decision.

As for O’Malley, Dvalishvili won the UFC bantamweight title by defeating the Montana native at Noche UFC (UFC 306). In the aftermath, ‘Suga’ clarified his intentions to clash against the Georgian fighter immediately. One of the key reasons for this as O’Malley was in disbelief that he lost against Dvalishvili. As revealed by the 135-pound champion himself, the Montana native might get his dreams fulfilled soon.

Umar Nurmagomedov reveals timeline for return after getting dominated by Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 311

The ‘Young Eagle,’ Umar Nurmagomedov, hails from a prominent lineage of MMA fighters in Dagestan. Over the years, this region has produced several notable standout fighters. Currently, Islam Makhachev is one of those fighters, reigning as the champion of the UFC lightweight division. Despite the hype and credentials surrounding Nurmagomedov, he was unable to deliver a top-level performance at UFC 311.

Merab Dvalishvili dominated Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 311
Merab Dvalishvili dominated Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 311 (Image via UFC)

Right after his defeat at UFC 311, Nurmagomedov revealed that he suffered a hand injury during the initial rounds of the fight. Following this, the ‘Young Eagle’ sought medical treatment and underwent surgery. Recently, Nurmagomedov posted an update regarding his potential return date, indicating that he will be fit to compete in the promotion again.

I’ll be able to punch in four months, so I’ll probably return in six [months].

Umar Nurmagomedov via Instagram Stories

Interestingly, many of Nurmagomedov’s teammates believe that he still has the potential to defeat Dvalishvili and become the champion. However, since the Georgian fighter has other opponents in mind, Nurmagomedov may have to wait for his opportunity. It will be interesting to see who the ‘Young Eagle’ fights next in the UFC.

Related: Umar Nurmagomedov fighting style: Is the ‘Young Eagle’ a Combat Sambo expert like Khabib Nurmagomedov?