Merab Dvalishvili claims Umar Nurmagomedov will only get a UFC title shot because of his name, the Russian bites back
08/07/2024 05:58 AM
Merab Dvalishvili is frustrated at the thought of Umar Nurmagomedov getting a UFC bantamweight title shot after just six wins and only one win against a ranked opponent, but Nurmagomedov has fired back.
At UFC 306 on September 14, Merab Dvalishvili will finally get his bantamweight title shot after winning 10 fights in a row.
The next title challenger after him has already been confirmed to be Umar Nurmagomedov after the undefeated Russian picked up a win over number two-ranked Cory Sandhagen at UFC Abu Dhabi this past Saturday.
Merab Dvalishvili claims Nurmagomedov will only get a title shot because he’s Khabib’s cousin
Of course, the 28-year-old comes from a very famous team, coached by former lightweight champion and cousin, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and trains with Islam Makhachev.
Because of his family ties, ‘The Machine’ believes that is the only reason he will be given a 135lb title shot.
“I know the UFC are pushing him, he doesn’t deserve the push like this but you know, he’s a good fighter but he beat nobody… He has a push because we all know why, he’s Khabib’s cousin… It’s like cheating a little bit to get here. I have 12 fights in the UFC I beat like 7 or 8 ranked fighters,” Dvalishvili told Heavywgt MMA.
If things go Merab’s way on September 14, he will share the cage with the Russian contender for his first title defense, which would make for a great fight between two incredible wrestlers.
However, as of now, he has his eyes firmly set on Sean O’Malley and his team. In the lead-up to his title fight, the 33-year-old Georgian has got involved in back-and-forth exchanges with O’Malley’s head coach, Tim Welch.
Umar Nurmagomedov fires back at Merab Dvalishvili following comments
After picking up the biggest win of his career thus far against ‘The Sandman’, Nurmagomedov showcased that he certainly has championship potential, having competed in his first five-round fight.
Following his impressive victory, the 28-year-old took the chance to fire back at the upcoming title challenger for his comments.
“Yan fought for the title after 6 wins, O’Malley after 4 wins, Merab could (have fought) for the title (against Aljamain Sterling) last year. You have to stop crying. You’re just scared that I will take everything from you,” Nurmagomedov fired back on X.
Coach Javier Mendez would prefer to see his student, Nurmagomedov, fight against O’Malley rather than against Dvalishvili because of ‘Suga’s’ big-name value.
“O’Malley is the biggest draw and he and Umar would be very interesting but hey, Merab, I really love Merab too, I love the way he fights, I love the great cardio he has and how he continues to go for takedown after takedown… Who I want to win, obviously it’s O’Malley because he’s the biggest fight,” Mendez told Red Corner MMA.
