Just over a week after his first title defense, UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili feels disrespected January 18 at UFC 311 would be an understatement.
Dvalishvili (18-4), who outpointed Sean O'Malley to win the 135-pound title at UFC 306 in September, told CBS Sports on Thursday that he felt pressure from UFC against Umar Nurmagomedov despite ongoing injuries a quick turnaround to create Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.
Making matters worse is that the Georgia native doesn't believe Nurmagomedov (18-0), the cousin of former lightweight world champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, has had enough wins to even secure the title and that he deserves special treatment because of his name receives. Dvalishvili also feels completely disrespected by Nurmagomedov in general, which is why the two exchanged heated insults before, during and after their press conference in December.
Oh, and there's also the question of what happened two weeks ago when Dvalishvili posted a video on social media outside the UFC's Performance Institute in Las Vegas in which “The Machine” claimed he was trying to get in, to heal his injuries was banned from the facility because Nurmagomedov trained there and was “protected” by the promotion.
“In my opinion, [Nurmagomedov] still have to fight a fight and [stop] He’s giving us nonsense,” Dvalishvili told CBS Sports. “For example, why doesn't he fight with Song Yadong?” He's just giving us nonsense, he's a bullshit guy. As a fighter, he's a good fighter, but whatever, man. Who fights against debutants and who has the ability to fight against the number 2? [contender]? Nobody, only Umar. That was my problem. I like to speak the truth. I always say, “If UFC wants it, sure.” But he has to fight more. He takes short routes and takes shortcuts.
“There are so many good fighters here like Mario Bautista, who has a seven-fight winning streak. No one.” [wants to fight him]. He deserves more. I guess he doesn't have a cousin like Khabib.
Although the 29-year-old Nurmagomedov is supremely talented and has long been primed to become the next great Dagestan-born fighter, trained by his uncle, the late Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov (who continues a lineage that includes cousin Khabib and the current UFC lightweight). advocates of Islam Makhachev), Dvalishvili's complaints are not entirely unfounded.
Nurmagomedov made his UFC debut in 2022 and recorded three wins over veteran journeymen Brian Kelleher, Nate Maness and Raoni Barcelos. Last March, Nurmagomedov won a decision over unheralded UFC debutant Bekzat Almakhan before scoring the biggest win of his career in August when Nurmagomedov, then ranked No. 10 at 135 pounds, won a five-round decision over Cory Sandhagen won, which allowed him to cut the line across the division.
Although Dvalishvili, who turned 34 on Friday, never revealed what injuries continue to hamper him following his win over O'Malley at The Sphere in Las Vegas less than four months ago, he admitted he was under pressure from UFC leadership had given in to take the fight to Nurmagomedov before he was fully ready.
“I said I would fight five months after beating O'Malley because every champion needs at least six months.” [before returning]”Usually we fight twice a year in a good case.” I thought about doing the same and was ready to come back in February or March, but Umar can't fight in March because of Ramadan and the February fight [UFC 312] is in Australia. The UFC needed this fight in January and it was on a bit of short notice. I helped my friend Aljamain Sterling, [prepare for his fight at UFC 310 in December] and I had some injuries.
“But I committed to UFC and now we are here. We have this fight.”
What was most shocking about the build-up to UFC 311 was the anger that existed between the two fighters on the day of their kickoff press conference in Las Vegas, where the usually cheerful Dvalishvili screamed with emotion and had to be restrained before the event even began.
“When I met him before the press conference, I asked him: 'Why do you respect me?'” Dvalishvili said. “And he said, ‘Because I want to [to]What are you going to do about it?' I wanted to punch him in the face and I wanted to break his face like any man should. But that wasn't possible for me. We were at a UFC facility and had so much security around us. And of course, the way I reacted at the press conference, I wanted to fight this guy and I wasn't ready to talk. But it's just, whatever, man. The fight is over.
“I like to joke and have a positive energy, but there are times for that. I'm a damn fighter, [so] Why are you asking me? [why I was upset]? Why are you surprised?
Initially, fans and media alike believed that Dvalishvili's dismissal of Nurmagomedov, which began long before the fight was signed, proved that he was trying to avoid his undefeated challenger. According to Dvalishvili, the reality had more to do with his injuries and whether Nurmagomedov actually deserved the fight.
But many turned back to Dvalishvili's interview on The Sphere immediately after his win over O'Malley, when he dismissed UFC analyst Joe Rogan's mention of Nurmagomedov as a possible next opponent, allowing himself to enjoy his life-changing moment and become champion .
All Dvalishvili can do in retrospect is laugh at the idea that he would be afraid to fight anyone.
“Who were these people? [who think I’m scared]? “I don’t know who these people were?” Dvalishvili said. “I said so many times that I would fight [Nurmagomedov]. He just has to respect me first and after Joe Rogan asked me, I said, “I have to talk to Dana White first.” “If Dana White wants to do it, we'll do it.”
A day after the press conference drama with Nurmagomedov, Dvalishvili showed his willingness to fight anyone at UFC 310 when, after cornering Sterling in his loss to Movsar Evloev, Dvalishvili was provoked by a fan on his way out of the arena and a brief skirmish ensued. Members of his team were involved as Dvalishvili was held back by security.
It was later reported that the fan in question was a training partner who was part of Nurmagomedov's extended team.
“That damn guy talked nonsense about me and he deserved it.” [have me] “Hit him in the face,” Dvalishvili said. “The guy was Umar's friend and they sent him to me, the damn provocative guy.” I wasn't able to touch him, but f— that guy. They told me they kicked this damn guy out, but he was still in the arena watching. He posted it on the internet.
“He should be thrown out [of UFC events] forever. People try to respect the fighters, but if you [provoke] Someone, I'm a fighter. What do you think? If you talk nonsense about me, you don't respect me and I'll say, “Oh, thanks.” How do you expect that? I'm a fighter, I'm a nice guy, but if you don't respect me I will react, I'm not a piece of shit.
For Dvalishvili, all the disrespect will end at UFC 311.
