Merab Dvalishvili dismisses Umar Nurmagomedov’s status as next title challenger; names former champion as “most deserving” to fight for the belt
Merab Dvalishvili is scheduled to face Sean O'Malley for the bantamweight title in the main event of UFC 306. Ahead of his first UFC title shot, 'The Machine' discussed potential next opponents should he win, where he dismissed Umar Nurmagomedov as the rightful title challenger.
Nurmagomedov defeated perennial contender Cory Sandhagen at UFC Abu Dhabi on 3 Aug. in a clash labeled a title eliminator bout. The Dagestani is expected to face the winner of O'Malley vs. Dvalishvili.
But according to the Georgian, divisional newcomer Deiveson Figueiredo is more deserving of a shot at bantamweight gold than 'Young Eagle'. The Brazilian made his 135-pound debut against Rob Font in December 2023.
He defeated Font via decision before facing former champion Cody Garbrandt at UFC 300, where he submitted 'No Love' in Round 2. Figueiredo also featured at UFC Abu Dhabi, where he defeated Marlon Vera via decision in a dominant showing.
During a recent interview with Helen Yee, 'The Machine' discussed who should be next in line for a bantamweight title shot and said this:
"Umar won his fight, good for him. I want to focus on this O'Malley fight... After this, whoever the UFC decides will be next for a title shot I will fight. I think Figueiredo deserves it more [than Nurmagomedov] because he beat a former world champion. He dominated 'Chito'... He beat three top contenders."
Catch Merab Dvalishvili's comments below (15:30):
Khabib Nurmagomedov wants Merab Dvalishvili vs. Umar Nurmagomedov for bantamweight gold
Umar Nurmagomedov appears to be at the front of the queue for a bantamweight title shot following his victory over Cory Sandhagen at UFC Abu Dhabi.
With the 135-pound title set to be contested between Sean O'Malley and Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306 in September, it seems that former champion Khabib Nurmagomedov will be rooting for 'The Machine'.
'The Eagle' has expressed his eagerness for his cousin to face Dvalishvili for the bantamweight title.
With Georgia bordering Russia, where the Republic of Dagestan is found, the former lightweight king believes a clash between 'The Machine' and his younger cousin would be a special occasion.
While talking to the UFC, Nurmagomedov said this:
"I want Merab, to be honest, because he's from Georgia. We are neighbors, Dagestan and Georgia. I want Merab [to] win because it's going to be [a] very interesting fight. White papakha versus black papakha."
Watch 'The Eagle' call for Merab Dvalishvili vs. Umar Nurmagomedov below: