Umar Nurmagomedov insists it’s nothing private with Merab Dvalishvili whilst he angles for one more shot on the UFC’s bantamweight king.
At UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi this Saturday, Nurmagomedov meets Mario Bautista in a pivotal contest at 135 kilos. Nurmagomedov seems to shortly re-establish himself because the No. 1 contender after shedding a title problem to Dvalishvili this previous January, whereas Bautista might earn his first championship alternative if he beats Nurmagomedov and data his ninth straight victory.
Ought to Nurmagomedov win, there’s no assure he’s subsequent for Dvalishvili, who had repeatedly shot down Nurmagomedov as a contender forward of their first battle. At UFC 321 media day Wednesday, Nurmagomedov was requested why Dvalishvili appears to have such disdain for him.
“In case you ask him I feel he’ll say, ‘He has to battle 10 instances till he wins 10,’” Nurmagomedov stated. “What I can [say]? It’s simply his thoughts, his opinion, and he can say no matter he needs, however actuality goes to be totally different.”
“As a result of he is aware of, all people is aware of why he’s speaking like this,” he added. “As a result of he is aware of what’s going to occur in battle subsequent. He is aware of it was very shut, and it’s humorous for everybody, not only for me. Everyone can see.”
When Dvalishvili and Nurmagomedov clashed at UFC 311, the 2 went the complete 5 rounds in a aggressive contest. Ultimately, Dvalishvili outlasted Nurmagomedov to win a clear-cut resolution. The bantamweight champion went on to defend his title twice extra towards Sean O’Malley and Cory Sandhagen, and subsequent faces Petr Yan at UFC 323 on Dec. 6.
Nurmagomedov was requested if he felt Dvalishvili was avoiding a rematch, a notion that Nurmagomedov dismissed.
“I don’t know,” Nurmagomedov stated. “It’s his enterprise, he can do no matter he needs. It’s laborious to generally discuss what you need. How can I discuss why he did this? We’re going to see after his battle, my battle, and if he’ll attempt to keep away from, attempt to speak he going to battle April and March, then it’s going to be like that.
“Even when he’ll attempt to keep away from, I don’t need to wait. I need to be energetic, I need to battle, and I hope I’ll battle.”
Nurmagomedov is hoping to battle earlier in 2026, whether or not it’s towards Dvalishvili or another person. Their rivalry might resume if each are victorious of their subsequent fights, however Nurmagomedov might have to remain busy relying on when Dvalishvili—or presumably Yan—is able to defend the title.
“After all, if we’re each going to win, it’s a really attention-grabbing battle for all followers, for UFC,” Nurmagomedov stated. “However I don’t need to wait too lengthy. I need to be energetic and we’ll see what UFC goes to ask. We’ll see after this battle. If it’s going to be doable, I’m going to battle in January or February.”
