Bantamweight Legend Knows What Umar Nurmagomedov Needs to Defeat Merab Dvalishvili in Rematch

TJ Dillashaw advises a conditioning coach for Umar Nurmagomedov with a potential rematch against champion Merab Dvalishvili likely.

Bantamweight Legend Knows What Umar Nurmagomedov Needs to Defeat Merab Dvalishvili in Rematch

TJ Dillashaw advises Umar Nurmagomedov for Merab Dvalishvili rematch (via MMA Fighting, MMA Mania)

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Umar Nurmagomedov has won every other fight in his professional career across major organizations and has built an unbeaten streak outside of a single setback. The only opponent to have defeated him is Merab Dvalishvili, creating a rare distinction in an otherwise perfect record. That result stands as the lone interruption in a career defined by consistency and control under UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov.

After the loss to Dvalishvili at UFC 311, Nurmagomedov returned at UFC 321 in a high-pressure bout designed to test his response to adversity. He secured a unanimous decision victory over Mario Bautista and did so across three rounds with controlled pace and positional stability. The win marked his first appearance after the setback and may have positioned him for a title rematch with the Georgian star.

Umar has trained under Khabib Nurmagomedov since the start of his professional career and has remained within that system for all of his preparation cycles. He has also consistently credited the former lightweight champion as an inspiration. It is in this context that former champion TJ Dillashaw identified conditioning as a potential adjustment ahead of a potential second meeting with Dvalishvili.

I think we need to get Umar with Sam Calavita at the Training Lab to get him on that conditioning so he can get Merab. His pace is really, really high. Most of the time, he can put people out with his pace ’cause he’s technically good and his pace is great. And when they don’t go out, if you’ve got that high a pace, it’s gonna catch up to you. Someone like this, we need to scientifically treat him like Sam Calavita would to get him to the next level, so he can challenge Merab.

TJ Dillashaw via JAXXON podcast

Sam Calavita and The Training Lab have become known for designing high-volume conditioning systems for elite fighters preparing for championship-level bouts. The program oversaw Khamzat Chimaev’s conditioning ahead of his UFC 319 title victory and has been attached to several high-end camps. #2-ranked lightweight Arman Tsarukyan is also among the athletes working under the same framework.

The young Dagestani and Dvalishvili have remained in an active dispute since their meeting at UFC 311, and the rivalry has not been contained to the final result of that night. The Georgian champion had vowed to make a potential rematch with Nurmagomedov a violent affair due to the trash talk involved. Dvalishvili also reduced their first bout to a mere sparring match, which added to their rivalry.

A rematch between them would carry direct implications for the upper tier of the bantamweight division. Merab Dvalishvili is currently scheduled to make his fourth title defense against Petr Yan at UFC 323, extending a run of championship stability if he wins. Umar Nurmagomedov remains positioned near the top of the rankings and would stand as a primary candidate for a shot if Dvalishvili retains his belt.

Umar Nurmagomedov wants revenge against Merab Dvalishvili

The UFC 311 bout between Umar Nurmagomedov and Merab Dvalishvili is widely regarded as the most challenging test Dvalishvili has faced during his title run. Since then, Nurmagomedov has stated that he intends to continue improving and further develop his skill set. He believed a title shot is near, but maintains he was prepared to face any opponent assigned to him.

Umar Nurmagomedov vs Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 311
Umar Nurmagomedov vs Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 311 (via X)

The Georgian champion later took aim at Nurmagomedov’s Russian background and accused him of faking his nationality. He also accused the young Dagestani of using unfair tactics in their first meeting. The remarks kept the rivalry active and extended the conflict beyond the original result. The escalation set the stage for Nurmagomedov’s latest public response, which centered on a potential rematch.

Of course I want revenge on Merab. I want to finish him. I want to hurt him. I really want to hurt him. I don’t want to take him down — I want to punch his face for all five rounds.

Umar Nurmagomedov via UFC

Despite the ongoing trash talk, Nurmagomedov has still nominated Dvalishvili for fighter of the year based on his frequency of competition and title defenses. His recognition was based on measurable output rather than the rivalry itself. It remains to be seen if Umar Nurmagomedov can put an end to Merab Dvalishvili’s dominance in a potential rematch.

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