UFC commentator Joe Rogan stated that Merab Dvalishvili vs. Umar Nurmagomedov was the highest-level bantamweight fight he has ever witnessed. Both fighters showcased their best skills, delivering a five-round war with every round absolutely thrilling. Following Dvalishvili’s victory over Umar via decision, several UFC stars, including Ilia Topuria, Dricus Du Plessis, Rafael Dos Anjos, and others, shared their reactions.
The first two rounds were dominated by Umar Nurmagomedov, and things seemed to be going smoothly for ‘The Young Eagle.’ However, ‘The Machine’ lived up to his nickname, showcasing his incredible cardio and endurance.
As Umar began to slow down after the third round, Dvalishvili capitalized on the opportunity and controlled the remaining three rounds. The fight drew reactions from numerous UFC stars, including Ilia Topuria, a close ally of ‘The Machine.’ Praising the bantamweight champion on X, Topuria wrote:
“Merab, my brother, what a fighter you are! You make us feel so proud. This is what happens when Dagestani wrestling meets Georgian wrestling.”
Merab, my brother, what a fighter you are! You make us feel so proud. This is what happens when Dagestani wrestling meets Georgian wrestling 👏🏻🇬🇪
— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) January 19, 2025
UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis also reacted to the bantamweight champion’s dominant victory. Taking to X, the middleweight champion wrote, “Wow @MerabDvalishvil take a bow that was an incredible performance by both fighters.”
Wow @MerabDvalishvil take a bow that was an incredible performance by both fighters
— Dricus Du Plessis (@dricusduplessis) January 19, 2025
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What a fight!! @MerabDvalishvil is so fun to watch #311
— Rafael dos Anjos (@RdosAnjosMMA) January 19, 2025
Joe Rogan just called Merab Dvalishvili vs Umar Nurmagomedov one of the best fights he's ever seen and he's seen a few. High praise.
— Chamatkar Sandhu (@SandhuMMA) January 19, 2025
Merab Dvalishvili is just too much for everyone.
— Danny Segura (@dannyseguratv) January 19, 2025
He might not be the most skilled guy, but he will out work you. What a badass style. #UFC311
Merab Dvalishvili has now beaten:
— Jay🤼♂️ (@JayMMA4) January 19, 2025
– Henry Cejudo
– Petr Yan
– Sean O’Malley
– Umar Nurmagomedov
All these fights have ended with Merab winning by domination #UFC311 pic.twitter.com/aw7QeZ39GW
Ilia Topuria’s Pre-Fight Advice Key To Merab Dvalishvili’s Win Over Umar Nurmagomedov
Dvalishvili successfully defended his title against one of the toughest bantamweight challengers, Umar Nurmagomedov. Despite wanting Ilia Topuria to corner him for the fight, it wasn’t possible. However, ‘El Matador’ supported Dvalishvili with words of encouragement through a video call. The featherweight champion said:
“I swear I was watching [Umar’s] fights, you will eat him!… He’s nothing like you. You are the king, he doesn’t have any experience.”
Ilia Topuria calls Merab Dvalishvili and gives him some words of encouragement 💪
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) January 18, 2025
“I swear I was watching [Umar’s] fights, you will eat him!… He’s nothing like you. You are the king, he doesn’t have any experience.”
🎥 @MMAPROSPICK #UFC311 #UFC #MMA
pic.twitter.com/wnaJY2YjKO
The title fight received reactions from all corners of the MMA community and marked Umar Nurmagomedov’s first-ever loss. The question now is, what’s next for ‘The Young Eagle’? Will he aim for a rematch, or take a different route? Everyone is eager to see his next move.
Also Read: Chael Sonnen Snubs Lakers, Hypes Team Khabib Nurmagomedov As The Realest Team Ever
