Merab Dvalishvili, the reigning UFC bantamweight champion, is preparing to defend his title against the undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov in the co-main event of UFC 311 on January 18. Riding an 11-fight win streak, Dvalishvili is confident in his ability to not only beat Nurmagomedov but to deliver a performance that cements his dominance in the division.
A Champion Relentless in His Mission
Dvalishvili has built an impressive résumé, defeating top-tier opponents like Sean O’Malley, Henry Cejudo, and Petr Yan. Known for his unrelenting pressure and elite wrestling pedigree, the Georgian champion believes his toughness and skill set will be too much for Nurmagomedov to handle. “I’m going to show Georgian wrestling and Georgian toughness, and I’m going to break the guy,” Dvalishvili told Michael Bisping on the Believe You Me podcast.
While his wrestling remains his hallmark, Dvalishvili has promised to showcase a more versatile game plan. “I’m not just going to wrestle Umar. I’m going to strike, kick, and make this a fight fans will remember,” he said. This approach demonstrates his desire to evolve as a complete mixed martial artist and silence critics who view him as a one-dimensional grappler.
Nurmagomedov: The Unbeaten Challenger
Umar Nurmagomedov, a member of the celebrated Dagestani fighting lineage, enters the bout with an unblemished professional record. Known for his precise striking and strong grappling, Nurmagomedov brings a well-rounded skill set that has made him one of the most dangerous contenders in the division. However, Dvalishvili remains confident in his ability to hand the Dagestani his first loss. “He’s a good fighter, but undefeated records don’t mean anything to me. I’ve fought and beaten the best,” Dvalishvili remarked.
The buildup to the fight has been relatively subdued, with Dvalishvili opting to avoid trash
Merab Dvalishvili, the reigning UFC bantamweight champion, is preparing to defend his title against the undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov in the co-main event of UFC 311 on January 18. Riding an 11-fight win streak, Dvalishvili is confident in his ability to not only beat Nurmagomedov but to deliver a performance that cements his dominance in the division.
A Champion Relentless in His Mission
Dvalishvili has built an impressive résumé, defeating top-tier opponents like Sean O’Malley, Henry Cejudo, and Petr Yan. Known for his unrelenting pressure and elite wrestling pedigree, the Georgian champion believes his toughness and skill set will be too much for Nurmagomedov to handle. “I’m going to show Georgian wrestling and Georgian toughness, and I’m going to break the guy,” Dvalishvili told Michael Bisping on the Believe You Me podcast.
While his wrestling remains his hallmark, Dvalishvili has promised to showcase a more versatile game plan. “I’m not just going to wrestle Umar. I’m going to strike, kick, and make this a fight fans will remember,” he said. This approach demonstrates his desire to evolve as a complete mixed martial artist and silence critics who view him as a one-dimensional grappler.
Nurmagomedov: The Unbeaten Challenger
Umar Nurmagomedov, a member of the celebrated Dagestani fighting lineage, enters the bout with an unblemished professional record. Known for his precise striking and strong grappling, Nurmagomedov brings a well-rounded skill set that has made him one of the most dangerous contenders in the division. However, Dvalishvili remains confident in his ability to hand the Dagestani his first loss. “He’s a good fighter, but undefeated records don’t mean anything to me. I’ve fought and beaten the best,” Dvalishvili remarked.
The buildup to the fight has been relatively subdued, with Dvalishvili opting to avoid trash talk. “I’m extra focused for this fight,” he explained. “Umar doesn’t deserve jokes or games. This is a serious challenge, and I’m treating it that way.” While Nurmagomedov has referred to Dvalishvili as a “fake champion,” the Georgian remains resolute in letting his performance in the octagon do the talking.
From Grappler to Well-Rounded Fighter
Though Dvalishvili’s wrestling has been his bread and butter, his recent fights have shown an evolution in his striking. In his championship-winning bout against Sean O’Malley, Dvalishvili neutralized O’Malley’s dangerous striking with expertly timed takedowns and relentless pressure. Now, he intends to bring a complete skill set to the cage against Nurmagomedov, believing this will be the key to victory.
“I’m not afraid to mix it up in the striking department,” Dvalishvili said. “I want to show everyone that I’m versatile. Whether it’s on the feet or on the ground, I’m ready to dominate.”
What’s Next for Dvalishvili?
A victory over Nurmagomedov could solidify Dvalishvili’s standing as one of the greatest bantamweights of his generation. Looking ahead, the Georgian fighter has expressed interest in rematches with Sean O’Malley and Petr Yan, as well as a potential clash with rising prospect Mario Bautista, who is currently riding a seven-fight win streak. “There are always new challenges in this division,” Dvalishvili said. “I want to stay active and keep proving why I’m the best.”
As UFC 311 approaches, anticipation for this clash of styles continues to build. With Dvalishvili’s relentless pace and Nurmagomedov’s technical precision, the co-main event promises to deliver fireworks. Regardless of the outcome, this fight is set to be a pivotal moment in the bantamweight division.
