Present UFC bantamweight kingpin Merab Dvalishvili lately pound 4 kilos “The Machine” additionally harshly criticized his former opponent Umar Nurmagomedov.
Dvalishvili has already defended his title thrice because the begin of 2025. He defeated Umar for the primary time in January, took on Sean O’Malley in a rematch in June, after which made a sudden comeback to defeat Cory Sandhagen in October. “The Machine” will defend his gold medal for the fourth time in 2025, chasing a UFC file for the fourth profitable title protection in a calendar 12 months. He’s set to have a rematch with Petr Yan at UFC 323.
Forward of the combat, The Machine spoke with Henry Cejudo and Kamaru Usman. He mentioned the next about why he wanted to beat Yan once more:
“He is from Russia and I am from Georgia. Each time we play in opposition to the Russians, we’ve to win.”
Previously, the 34-year-old gave the identical cause to Daniel Cormier, explaining why he hates No Mercy.
“I do not like Petr Yan… He is Russian, proper? Russia has occupied the territory of my nation, and it is private for me. Once we combat in opposition to the Russians, we all the time attempt to win. If I’ve to combat him, I’ve two choices: both win in opposition to him, or if I lose, I’ve no selection however to commit suicide.”
Relating to his plans for 2026, the Georgian genius mentioned:
“I need to combat in March. I need to win this combat on the White Home (as properly).”
Talking about Umar and what he dislikes about him, Dvalishvili added:
“What sort of man are you when somebody tweets for you? He referred to as me a faux champion and I am achieved with him. Subsequent query please.”
Try Merab Dvalishvili’s feedback beneath.
Umar Nurmagomedov thinks Petr Yan has an opportunity to beat Merab Dvalishvili of their UFC 323 rematch
Umar Nurmagomedov most lately scored a dominant choice victory over Mario Bautista. After his victory, he issued a powerful warning to Merab Dvalishvili: “He is coming for the belt.”
When “The Machine” fought Umar for the primary time, Umar broke his hand throughout the combat, which he mentioned was the rationale his efficiency was beneath common. Umar needs a combat in opposition to the primary contender in early 2026 earlier than a potential rematch with Dvalishvili. The Russian fighter additionally gave his opinion on the approaching UFC 323 headliner. In an interview with Mike Vaughn, he mentioned:
“I believe so. He (Petr Yan) is excellent at this and there is all the time an opportunity for any fighter. It simply is determined by how he stops the takedown. He is actually athletic and good at each. We’ll see what occurs.”
See Umar Nurmagomedov’s feedback beneath (10:01):
