“How can you get upset at that?” - Umar Nurmagomedov’s coach makes feelings known about Merab Dvalishvili being barred from UFC PI
Merab Dvalishvili recently caught the attention of many MMA fans after claiming to have been prevented from entering the UFC Performce Institute. The bantamweight champion stated that the reason he was given was that his upcoming opponent, Umar Nurmagomedov, was in the building.
The pair have exchanged some heated words after 'The Machine' claimed to have been dispespected by the Dagestani fighter. Given their tensions, UFC staff likely wanted to avoid an altercation between the pair.
Dvalishvili is known for his fiery persona and has confronted numerous fans who have trash-talked him in the past.
Ahead of his UFC 311 clash with Nurmagomedov, the longtime coach of 'Young Eagle', Javier Mendez, was interviewed by The Schmo. Mendez was asked to discuss the bantamweight champion's recent incident with the UFC PI and said:
"We're there from X amount of time until X amount of time. So why can't he go there at another time? When did he ask to go there versus when we were given permission to go there? My question I want to ask, 'Did you just want to come recently or was it before, when we decided we were going to train there?' I don't know."
He continued:
"If we're already told we are training from this time to that time... And then you come in and say, 'I want to train.' Okay, when do you want to train? Umar and Islam are training at that time. How can you get upset at that? I don't know... That's on the UFC, not on us."
Catch Mendez discussing Merab Dvalishvili below (9:20):
Umar Nurmagomedov can "show off" against Merab Dvalishvili, says Cory Sandhagen'
Umar Nurmagomedov will face Merab Dvalishvili for the bantamweight title in the co-main event of UFC 311 in Los Angeles on Jan. 18. It will be a fascinating battle between the division's most relentless wrestler and arguably the most complete fighter at 135 pounds, 'Young Eagle'.
A former opponent of Nurmagomedov's, Cory Sandhagen, recently broke down the title clash during an 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... Fighting a guy like Merab will be a good opportunity for him to show off a little bit."
Catch Sandhagen breakdown Merab Dvalishvili vs. Nurmagomedov below (11:20):