A former UFC title challenger is more interested in running it back with Merab Dvalishvili than chasing another bantamweight title shot at the moment.
Former champ Dvalishvili defended his 135-pound strap successfully 3 times last year. However, his fourth title defense didn’t go his way, and he was dethroned by Petr Yan in a rematch at UFC 323.
The promotion has promised him an immediate title rematch. However, “No Mercy” had to undergo lower-back surgery, and thus, the Yan vs. Dvalishvili 3 title rematch has not taken place yet.
Former opponent calls out Merab Dvalishvili again
Umar Nurmagomedov, who lost to Merab Dvalishvili by unanimous decision at UFC 311, says a rematch with “The Machine” means more to him than winning the bantamweight title.
While the Georgian has shown no interest in running it back with the Dagestani fighter, Umar wants to settle the score with Dvalishvili after the latter handed him his first professional loss.
The 30-year-old suffered a hand injury in Round 1 of his UFC 311 clash with “The Machine” and believes a rematch would be very different, and is “curious” to discover how he will perform a second time against Dvalishvili without any injury. During an interview with Adam Zubayraev, he said:
“Honestly, the only thing I need from this sport is a rematch, even more than the belt. I’ll get the belt. First of all, I’m curious how I would have fought if I hadn’t gotten injured, because take Petr Yan’s first fight and the second fight – everyone said it was an excuse, and in the second fight, when he was already healthy, it turned out it wasn’t an excuse. And that’s why I’m curious for myself too.”
Check out Umar Nurmagomedov’s comments about Merab Dvalishvili below:
After suffering his first MMA loss, Nurmagomedov returned to winning ways at UFC 321 against Mario Bautista, and earlier this year, he also beat Deiveson Figueiredo.
Next month, at UFC Abu Dhabi, Umar Nurmagomedov will lock horns with Mexico’s David Martinez, who is riding a 10-fight win streak and is undefeated in the UFC.
Winning this bout could push Umar back to the No. 2 contender spot on the bantamweight chart, currently captured by Sean O’Malley, after his knockout of Aiemann Zahabi at UFC Freedom 250.
