The world of UFC bantamweights is buzzing with excitement and speculation. At the center of it all are two rising stars: Merab Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov. The Georgian fighter just clinched the bantamweight belt at UFC 306. Meanwhile, Nurmagomedov, Khabib’s cousin, is undefeated and hungry for a title shot.
In a recent interview with Fanatics View, Cory Sandhagen, a recent victim of Nurmagomedov’s prowess, gave his take on a potential Dvalishvili-Nurmagomedov matchup. Fans might think he would be bitter, but ‘The Sandman’ is singing a surprising tune about his former opponent.
“Umar is just a way, way better striker, and so ya, that’s going to be really hard for Merab. So I guess I would go for Umar just because his striking is so much different… And then Merab’s grappling isn’t necessarily tailored towards holding people down, and Umar is a much better grappler than O’Malley…it’d be mostly standing and Umar getting off a lot of points and just out-pointing Merab,” said Sandhagen.
Sandhagen is not alone in his assessment. Dana White hinted at Umar Nurmagomedov’s title shot potential, and the UFC CEO knows a star when he sees one. However, Dvalishvili initially seemed hesitant about facing Nurmagomedov. He questioned Umar’s resume, suggesting he hadn’t earned a title shot yet.
Whatever happens, one thing is for sure – the bantamweight division is on fire right now. Sandhagen’s endorsement adds an interesting wrinkle to the story. It’s not often fans see a fighter praising the guy who just beat him!
Merab Dvalishvili Ready To Fight Umar Nurmagomedov
Dvalishvili was playing hard to get with Team Khabib’s golden boy, Umar Nurmagomedov. But now, it seems the new champion has had a change of heart. He has made it open season to whoever the UFC throws at him next.
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In a recent tweet, Merab Dvalishvili revealed that he is okay with fighting anyone the UFC matchmakers see him fit to go against. He is no longer resisting to give Nurmagomedov a shot at the title.
“Guys- I hear all of you! I am a company man. Whoever the UFC puts in front of me , I will fight as I always do , even if I don’t think they deserve the next shot. Let’s Go,” wrote Dvalishvili via X.
A potential Dvalishvili vs. Nurmagomedov showdown is mouth-watering. Black Papakha vs. White Papakha. A fight to decide who the best fighter is in the UFC’s bantamweight division as well as in the Caucasus!
