Merab Dvalishvili makes feelings known about fighting Umar Nurmagomedov, previews UFC 311 title fight
Merab Dvalishvili remains displeased that he must defend his bantamweight title against Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 311. The Georgian star recently took part in a recent interview with Megan Olivi, during which he detailed his feelings about facing Nurmagomedov.
While he recognized his opponent's skills, even describing him as a challenge, Dvalishvili has not wavered from his opinion that 'The Young Eagle' is the recipient of an undeserved title shot. In that respect, he feels Nurmagomedov is different from the rest of the roster:
"Yeah, he fought only [Cory] Sandhagen, no wrestling and I guess he's using this excuse, he beat number two [ranked] guy, and now he's here. It's a big challenge but I just only what I hate, he just don't earn it like how we are, UFC fighters should earn it. He just cocky, he should be humble."
When asked for his thoughts on how he will defeat Nurmagomedov come fight night, Dvalishvili remained grounded but confident:
"It's going to be tough fight, good fight, and of course I'm gonna looking for finish, but you know to win against top opponent and change his zeroes to one like loss, that would be good. I mean win will be just, you know, I'm not fighting somebody like it's easy opponent, it's going to be Umar Nurmagomedov."
Check out Merab Dvalishvili previewing his fight with Umar Nurmagomedov (6:20 and 9:46):
The feud between Dvalishvili and Nurmagomedov has intensified, with the newly-minted bantamweight champion believing that the undefeated Dagestani star has disrespected him by implying that he was actively avoiding him.
At UFC 311, the two men will settle their differences in their tussle for divisional supremacy.
Merab Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov nearly brawled at a promotional presser
During UFC 310 fight week, Merab Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov took part in a promotional press conference for their upcoming UFC 311 bantamweight title clash. After a heated back-and-forth, the pair later had a backstage confrontation.
Check out the confrontation between Merab Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov:
While both men nearly came to blows, cooler heads prevailed as security kept them apart. However, Nate Diaz turned up backstage to throw water bottles at the Nurmagomedov camp, nearly sparking another brawl.