Merab Dvalishvili appeared to confirm fight with Umar Nurmagomedov next before news of Song Yadong clash emerged
Merab Dvalishvili secured the bantamweight title with a dominant decision victory over Sean O'Malley at Noche UFC 306. With the expectation being that Dvalishvili would face Umar Nurmagomedov next, recent reports that 'Young Eagle' will fight Song Yadong in December have come as a surprise to many.
Several days ago, Nurmagomedov claimed that the bantamweight champion was trying to stall their fight until March 2025, when the title contender would be observing Ramadan.
"If Merab is going to aboid me, I won't wait for him. And I'll fight with anyone UFC suggests before Ramadan."
He accused Dvalishvili of trying to ensure he fought a diminished version of the Dagestani fighter, but comments made recently by 'The Machine' showed no indication that he was avoiding a fight date with 'Young Eagle'.
The Georgian recently appeared on the Simple Man Podcast, hosted by professional grapplers Nicky Rodriguez, his younger brother Jay, and MMA fighter Damien Anderson. Dvalishvili said:
"The UFC wants me to fight Umar Nurmagomedov, Khabib's cousin. He's undefeated, so I'm fighting him. No problem."
Catch Merab Dvalishvili's comments below (49:15):
Sean O'Malley wants Merab Dvalishvili rematch in Miami
Merab Dvalishvili delivered on his prediction that he would dominate Sean O'Malley when they met at Noche UFC 306.
'Sugar' appeared to be slightly off his usual rhythm during the fight, with his crisp striking and footwork looking more labored than in his previous bouts. The Georgian's relentless wrestling took full advantage of his opponent's apparent sluggishness and secured numerous takedowns en route to a decision win.
Since the bout, O'Malley has revealed that he suffered a torn labrum in his hip weeks before the fight that left him physically impaired. He will be taking an extended break from competition to let his body fully recover but would like to fight 'The Machine' in a rematch upon returning.
The former champion was recently interviewed by Ariel Helwani, where he said this:
"I'm saying March or April. I'm doing everything I can do to get back in there... I want to make that walk again and I want Merab next. I know I'm better than him. I need to right that wrong. I think Miami would just be sweet... Rematch Merab, that's what I want."
Watch Sean O'Malley discuss Merab Dvalishvili rematch below (2:08:05):