UFC is pushing Umar Nurmagomedov to title shot only because he's Khabib Nurmagomedov's cousin, says "heartbroken" Merab Dvalishvili
Umar Nurmagomedov was able to pass the toughest test of his mixed martial arts career last weekend as he defeated Cory Sandhagen via unanimous decision in the main event of UFC on ABC 7. While he entered the bout as the No. 10-ranked bantamweight, he is expected to make a big jump when the rankings are updated.
Furthermore, Nurmagomedov appears to be in line to face the winner of next month's UFC 306 bantamweight title bout between Sean O'Malley and Merab Dvalishvili. The latter recently called out 'Young Eagle', claiming that he is being pushed to a title shot because he is the cousin of UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Speaking to heavywgtMMA in a video recorded before last weekend's clash, 'The Machine' stated:
"Umar, let's see. He has a big test now. I know the UFC [is] pushing him. He don't deserve the push like this. He's a good fighter, but he beat nobody and he's ranked No.10. Now, he's fighting No.2. He has a push because we all know why. He's Khabib's cousin. He's a good figher. I have all the respect [for] him."
Dvalishvili claimed that fighters such as him, Sandhagen, and Aljamain Sterling had to earn their way to the top of the division while O'Malley and Nurmagomedov have been pushed to the top before adding:
"It leaves me heartbroken when you see sometimes when you working hard I wasn't sure if I was getting a title fight until two weeks ago... He's a good fighter, but we will see. I'm not excited for this fight because I know he got here easy. He's a good fighter but he got pushed. It's like cheating a little bit to get here. I have 12 fights in the UFC, I beat like seven or eight ranked fighters. Umar don't fight any ranked fighters yet."
Check out Merab Dvalishvili's full comments on Umar Nurmagomedov below:
Dvalishvili claimed that he wasn't sure if he would receive a title opportunity after defeating Henry Cejudo. He noted that he believes he should have received a title shot once he defeated Jose Aldo and again when he defeated Petr Yan. While Nurmagomedov's victory over Sandhagen marked his first over a ranked opponent, it is clear that he is among the best talents in the division.
Umar Nurmagomedov promised title shot by UFC
Umar Nurmagomedov will likely be the No. 2-ranked bantamweight when the rankings are updated. Ahead of his clash with Cory Sandhagen, he revealed that he was promised a title shot with a victory. Speaking to Mike Bohn of MMA Junkie, 'Young Eagle' questioned why fans are reacting differently to him being pushed than they did when Sean O'Malley was pushed before adding:
"Same situation. I hope I will fight next, inshallah. I will fight, I think. They said I will fight. Who will win [between him and Sandhagen], he will fight."
Check out Umar Nurmagomedov's full comments below (starting at the 3:40 mark):
O'Malley will look to defend his bantamweight title for the second time when he faces Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306 next month. The bout will headline the promotion's first event at the Las Vegas Sphere. Nurmagomedov appears to be in a strong position to face the winner after defeating Sandhagen via unanimous decision.