Merab Dvalishvili pushes back on Umar Nurmagomedov being next in line as he doubles down on callout of former champion
15/09/2024 14:56
Speaking to Joe Rogan after having the shiny gold belt wrapped around his waist, newly crowned bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili wanted to celebrate his achievement – not plot out his next move.
Yet it didn't take long for the Georgian wrecking ball to speak his mind, telling reporters after the UFC 306 mega-show concluded that he's likely at odds with the promotion over who he’d prefer his first title defense to be against.
Dvalishvili argues Deiveson Figueredo over undefeated Nurmagomedov
After Bruce Buffer announced 'And New' to The Sphere crowd late last night in Las Vegas, Joe Rogan was quick to question Merab Dvalishvili on who will be next for The Machine, just as the camera cut to 18-0 contender Umar Nurmagomedov.
"Let's leave it like this, I've just won the belt," said Dvalishvili, who was understandably too emotional in the moment to plot out his next career move; instead taking the opportunity to thank Dana White and the UFC for the opportunity presented to him.
"I respect and I love Dana White [so it is] whatever he wants, I want to talk to him – of course we have a great relationship – but now I'm champion, I want him to know me better in my personal life."
Whilst Dvalishvili would state at the post-fight press conference that he'd be willing to take on anyone the UFC puts in front of him, he seemed far more interested in a potential clash with former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo than the undefeated Nurmagomedov.
"Whoever they want, I will fight next, but I want to talk to Dana, I want to become his friend… I want to fight the top of the top, you know. I think Figueredo would be my fifth champion, he is more dangerous, knockout power, good Jiu-Jitsu makes people [go to] sleep.
"That's why this fight excites me, gives me motivation, makes me work hard… Umar is okay but I'm telling you guys, from the top 15 he's only won one fight."
According to the newly-minted 135lb champion, Nurmagomedov shouldn't get a title shot off a victory over Sandhagen as "We all saw what Aljamain Sterling against to Cory Sandhagen – slept him in the first round."
If it was up to The Machine, he'd face Figueiredo next for the undisputed bantamweight title while Nurmagomedov faces one of the division’s elite fighters, "Maybe against Petr Yan," he suggested.
Umar Nurmagomedov hopes Merab Dvalishvili 'won't avoid the real challenger'
Whilst Dvalishvili might be holding out hope that the UFC could change their mind and put together a title fight with the former flyweight champion, Umar Nurmagomedov has teased that he's already been confirmed as the next challenger behind the scenes.
“I think I’m next, I hope they will not avoid and run," the young Dagestani told the UFC cameras after the main event concluded: "They have to be true champion and don’t choose opponents. See you soon guys, see you soon.”
Nurmagomedov would also share a series of posts to X, first writing: "White Papakha vs Black Papakha, Have to be Congratulations [Merab Dvalishvili] Right now you champion. You deserve this belt. Enjoy."
The Papakha refers to the type of woolen hat worn throughout the Caucasus region, often sported by the likes of Dvalishvili and Nurmagomedov after victory in the octagon.
"I expected more from Sean, Merab did his job well," the undefeated Umar stated in a separate post – "I hope he won’t avoid the real challenger. In any case, I’m ready."
Manager Ali Abdelaziz also chimed into the title speculation following the belt's changing hands in The Sphere, claiming that he's spoken to the UFC already and that Nurmagomedov is next in line.
At the time of writing, Nurmagomedov is ranked #2 in the bantamweight division, with Figueiredo occupying the #5 spot.
