Elite UFC bantamweight predicts Merab Dvalishvili vs. Umar Nurmagomedov title fight: “Good opportunity for him to show off”
Merab Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov will settle their beef in the octagon at UFC 311 on Jan. 18 in a thrilling matchup. Dvalishvili won the bantamweight title against Sean O'Malley at Noche UFC 306, with Nurmagomedov being the consensus number one title contender for him to face next.
But 'The Machine' remained adamant that the Dagestani did not deserve a shot at the belt. This led to the champion being accused of avoiding a clash with 'Young Eagle', as the pair began trading heated words online.
Their anticipated clash has now been broken down by perennial contender Cory Sandhagen. Having lost to Nurmagomedov at UFC Abu Dhabi in August, 'The Sandman' is well aware of the skillset possessed by the title challenger.
During a recent interview with James Lynch, he said:
"I think that Umar probably will win. I just can't really see a path for Merab to win. I don't think that he's going to be able to strike with [Nurmagomedov]. But I also don't think that he'll be able to take him down and control him like he was able to do against O'Malley."
Sandhagen continued:
"I think that Umar is likely going to defend a lot of those shots, keep it in the striking realm. Umar is a sniper man, people don't really realize how fast that guy is and how good he is and how his kicks come out of nowhere. Fighting a guy like Merab will be a good opportunity for him to show off a little bit."
Check out Cory Sandhagen predict Merab Dvalishvili vs. Umar Nurmagomedov below (11:20):
Umar Nurmagomedov's "dream" will come true against Merab Dvalishvili, says Islam Makhachev
UFC 311 will be headlined by a rematch between lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan. Longtime teammate and friend of Makhachev, Umar Nurmagomedov, will clash with Merab Dvalishvili in the co-main event.
The anticipation for the bantamweight title clash between Dvalishvili and Nurmagomedov is already high given the volatile press conference held on Dec. 6 as part of the build-up for the fight card.
Ahead of the bout, Makhachev shared his thoughts on Umar's title quest, and said this during an interview with ESPN MMA:
"Many years ago [Umar] came with us to the camp, just helped us to take care of the house. But he's a big guy now, fighting for the title. [His] dream will come true, he deserves it. He's a hard worker."
Check out Islam Makhachev discuss Merab Dvalishvili vs. Umar Nurmagomedov below (12:55):