Coach Javier Mendez backs Umar Nurmagomedov's remarks on Merab Dvalishvili over disrespect claims
Umar Nurmagomedov will challenge Merab Dvalishvili for the bantamweight title at UFC 311 on Jan. 18 in what has brewed into a surprisingly tense matchup. Dvalishvili has been adament that 'Young Eagle' was not deserving of a title shot and has slammed his opponent for making disrespectful comments online.
But Nurmagomedov has shared his confusion about what "disrespectful" remarks he made.
The bantamweight duo formed part of a UFC 311 pre-fight press conference held on Dec. 6, where the 135-pound champion unloaded a fiery tirade at his upcoming opponent for posts made online.
Nurmagomedov's coach, Javier Mendez, was recently interviewed by The Schmo in the wake of the press conference. The pair discussed the Georgian's frustration over being "disrespected," and Mendez said:
"I don't understand the disrespectful things. I mean, what is Umar saying [that's disrespectful]? You're the champion, of course everybody wants the champion. Who doesn't want to fight you? Anybody that's within your rankings wants to fight you. Umar was offered the title fight after he beat Sandhagen. Why did they bring Umar to [Noche UFC 306] if they didn't want to give him the title?"
He continued:
"The UFC said that the winner of [Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov] gets the next title shot. So all Umar is doing is taking his opportunity. It has nothing to do with Merab."
Catch Javier Mendez discuss Umar Nurmagomedov below (8:20):
Merab Dvalishvili claims to have been barred from UFC PI due to Umar Nurmagomedov being there
The UFC Performance Insititute in Las Vegas is a venue where professional combat sports athletes can train, recover and get help with their nutrition, among other things.
There have been several incidents involving fighters at the UFC PI, most notably between Alex Pereira and Jamahal Hill several weeks ago.
On Dec. 23, Merab Dvalishvili uploaded a video on X where he was stood outside the UFC PI claiming to have been barred from entering the building. 'The Machine' stated that the reason he was given was that Umar Nurmagomedov was in the building at the time.
With tensions between the pair already high, Dvalishvili's recent saga with the UFC PI will only increase his frustrations:
"I’m here out [in] front of the UFC P.I., and security don’t let me go in because they said, ‘Umar Nurmagomedov is inside,’ and they are protecting him. Don’t worry, guys. I’m not going to smash him before the fight. But Jan. 18, different story."