Umar Nurmagomedov misplaced considered one of his main weapons after struggling a damaged hand within the opening spherical in his title battle towards Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 311 on Saturday.
Whereas he’s not precisely certain when it occurred, Nurmagomedov is aware of his skill to throw punches together with his left hand was negated virtually instantly and that clearly affected him all through the battle. In the end, he misplaced a unanimous choice following a five-round battle.
Following the battle, Nurmagomedov eliminated his glove to point out the harm carried out in a photograph supplied to MMA Preventing by his crew at Dominance MMA.
Nurmagomedov requires additional testing together with x-rays to higher perceive the complete harm carried out to his hand, however he’s clearly coping with vital swelling within the fast aftermath from his battle.
So far as his efficiency goes, Nurmagomedov nonetheless believes he must be leaving UFC 311 with the bantamweight title round his waist, though he plans to observe the battle again to completely grasp every thing that unfolded.
“I feel the primary spherical I received, the opposite [rounds] was shut,” Nurmagomedov advised UFC coloration commentator Joe Rogan instantly after the battle ended. “I don’t suppose I lose this battle however Alhamdulillah, any place, Alhamdulillah. After the primary spherical, I can’t punch as a result of I feel I broke my hand. The sport goes the opposite method.
“Any place, Alhamdulillah, good or unhealthy, I’ll say that, Alhamdulillah, thanks God. I want to observe this video of my battle. I don’t suppose I lose this battle. I’m not arguing with the judges, I have to rewatch. I have to see all rounds. Nothing [surprised me], I knew he was a troublesome man. I broke my hand within the first spherical.”
Even in defeat, Nurmagomedov nonetheless made an admirable displaying in his first try at changing into UFC champion. He began the battle sturdy with a dynamic hanging show by means of the primary two rounds whereas stuffing any makes an attempt from Dvalishvili to get him to the bottom.
As time handed, Dvalishvili’s tempo and stress began carrying on Nurmagomedov and by the fourth spherical, the reigning UFC bantamweight champion was surging whereas constructing his lead on the scorecards.
Ultimately, the judges gave Dvalishvili the battle with the scores studying 48-47, 48-47 and 49-46 as he retained the belt in his first title protection.
The loss would possibly sting for now, but it surely’s powerful to think about Nurmagomedov received’t ultimately earn his method again to a different title shot given his efficiency on Saturday and the Battle of the Evening award he shares with Dvalishvili after UFC 311.
