Umar Nurmagomedov has shocked the bantamweight division with a significant rise in the rankings. Under the guidance of Khabib Nurmagomedov, the ‘Young Eagle’ showcased the best performance of his career by defeating Cory Sandhagen at UFC Abu Dhabi. With this win, the Dagestani fighter secured his long-awaited bantamweight title shot. However, his recent jump in the division rankings marks the biggest moment of his career.
Before UFC Abu Dhabi, Umar Nurmagomedov was ranked 10th. After defeating the number 2-ranked fighter, Cory Sandhagen, he has made a significant leap in the division. He moved up to second place in the bantamweight rankings. Also, it has been confirmed that the ‘Young Eagle’ will face the winner of the Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili fight, scheduled for UFC 306.
Umar’s significant jump in the division has sparked debate, with some alleging that he advanced due to Khabib’s support. The ‘Young Eagle’ has the backing of UFC legend Khabib, who also happens to be his cousin. Khabib trained with Umar before the fight and also cornered him, giving valuable advice during the bout in UFC Abu Dhabi. Despite securing a title shot, UFC bantamweight fighter Merab Dvalishvili accuses Umar of benefiting from having Khabib on his side.
Merab Dvalishvili Questions Umar Nurmagomedov’s Sudden Rise In Ranks
Dvalishvili is set to face UFC Bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley in his first-ever title fight. Ahead of his UFC 306 bout, he appeared on the Heavywgt MMA podcast on YouTube. In the podcast, he accused Umar Nurmagomedov of getting an easy path to his new No. 2 ranking. He said,
“I’m not excited for this fight because I know he got here easy. He’s a good fighter but he got pushed. It’s like cheating a little bit to get here. I have 12 fights in the UFC, I beat like seven or eight ranked fighters. Umar don’t fight any ranked fighters yet.”
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“I’m not excited for this fight because I know he got here easy. He’s a good fighter but he got pushed. It’s like cheating a little bit to get here. I have 12 fights in the UFC, I beat like seven or eight ranked fighters. Umar don’t fight any ranked fighters yet.”
Dvalishvili also mentioned that fighters like himself had to earn the top positions in the division. He also believes that Umar got a push from UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov. Additionally, Merab Dvalishvili will be looking to capture the belt from Sean O’Malley at UFC 306. Fans are eagerly waiting for this bout, which is just months away.
