Umar Nurmagomedov Asked to Stand in Queue Before Fighting Merab Dvalishvili for Title Rematch 

Aljamain Sterling discusses Umar Nurmagomedov potentially facing Merab Dvalishvili after a comeback fight. 

Umar Nurmagomedov Asked to Stand in Queue Before Fighting Merab Dvalishvili for Title Rematch 

Aljamin Sterling wants Umar Nurmagomedov to win two fights before rechallenging Merab Dvalishvili (via X)

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Merab Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov faced off earlier this year in the co-main event of UFC 311, drawing massive attention. ‘The Machine’ dominated the last three rounds and secured a unanimous decision victory against the heavily favored Dagestani. In the final rounds, Dvalishvili completely outclassed Nurmagomedov, exposing a huge gap in overall skills, championship experience, and cardio. 

Since his defeat, Nurmagomedov has stayed away from the spotlight, dedicating his time to rebuilding and preparing for redemption. Recently, he was booked to face Mario Bautista on the main card of UFC 321, marking his long-awaited return to action.

The event is set to take place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, offering Nurmagomedov massive regional support. While many predict a victory could earn him another title shot, Aljamain Sterling believes such an opportunity would be undeserved.

I think if Umar wins, I think he should fight one more. Yeah, and then I’ll be like, ‘Okay, whoever.’ And even if Merab wasn’t the champ, I would still say the same thing. I like to see guys at least beat one or two guys, even though. he did beat one guy Cory Sandhagen. He got the title shot already. So now he should have to win at least two fights to get back to a title shot opportunity. Otherwise, you have a log jam at the top with the same guys fighting the same guys over and over.

Aljamain Sterling via YouTube 

Nurmagomedov earned his first title shot after an impressive unanimous decision victory over the then number two-ranked Cory Sandhagen. However, Merab Dvalishvili publicly claimed that Nurmagomedov’s rise was influenced by his close association with former champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.

These accusations created a rivalry that was resolved inside the Octagon, where Dvalishvili proved his superiority by toying with Umar. The bad blood between both fighters has not ended with Merab Dvalishvili publicly backing Bautista to dominate Umar Nurmagomedov.

He’s also ready to fight the Dagestani once again and has promised to finish the fight with a brutal knockout. But before all this, both fighters will have to take care of their upcoming challenges against tough opponents. 

Merab Dvalishvili finds out about UFC 323 during an interview with Ariel Helwani 

Since his intense bout against Umar Nurmagomedov, Merab Dvalishvili has continued his dominant streak by competing two more times successfully. He first submitted former champion Sean O’Malley, finally ending their long-standing rivalry and solidifying his reputation as a dominant champion.

Merab Dvalishvili is ready to make his fourth outing of 2025
Merab Dvalishvili is ready to make his fourth outing of 2025 (via X)

After that, Dvalishvili faced Cory Sandhagen and earned a convincing unanimous decision, marking his third successful bantamweight title defense in style. Currently, the Georgian is recognized as the most active champion on the UFC roster, earning admiration from fans and analysts alike.

His unmatched wrestling pressure, non-stop pace, and elite conditioning have allowed him to overwhelm elite competition consistently.  Following his last victory, Dvalishvili teased a possible December return, which Dana White officially confirmed for UFC 323’s main event. Merab Dvalishvili received the announcement mid-interview with Ariel Helwani, and his genuine reaction went viral across.

I had no idea. They never guarantee you. So, how it works with UFC, you say yes (to the fight). Then you find out. 

Merab Dvalishvili via Thr Ariel Helwani Show 

Dvalishvili was hyped and danced with Helwani to show his excitement about making his return in the next two months. The fighter has the opportunity to become the first champion in UFC to defend his belt four times in a single year.

Merab Dvalishvili will take on former champ Petr Yan, whom he has already dominated in the past. The Russian is eager for revenge, but with his current momentum, the ‘Machine’ is definitely the fan favorite heading into the final PPV card of the year.

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