Undisputed bantamweight champion, Merab Dvalishvili has laid out a surprising 4-month plan forward of his return in weeks time at UFC 311, revealing how he needs to defend his divisional crown thrice earlier than the summer season.
Dvalishvili, who’s slated to return at UFC 311 in January, co-headlines the flagship card in a title protection in opposition to the unbeaten Russian contender, Umar Nurmagomedov — in his first tried protection of the championship.
Profitable spoils again in September in the principle occasion of Noche UFC at a monumental occasion on the Las Vegas Sphere, streaking grappling drive, Merab Dvalishvili turned in a dominant unanimous resolution win over defending gold holder, Sean O’Malley over the course of 5 rounds in ‘Sin Metropolis.
Merab Dvalishvili lays out plans for 3 fights earlier than summer season
And booked to make his return as a champion for the primary time in his grudge struggle in opposition to American Kickboxing Academy expertise, Nurmagomedov, Dvalishvili boldly claimed he want to rematch former champions, Petr Yan after which O’Malley in March and April, respectively — as a part of a 4-month run.
“I want to win this fight [with Umar Nurmagomedov] and I want to be busy in 2025,” Merab Dvalishvili instructed UFC throughout a latest interview. “I’m fighting early this year, January 18. and I just want to be busy. I know (Sean) O’Malley wants to come back in April. I think Petr (Yan) will be ready in March. So maybe fight Petr in March, rematch O’Malley in April and whoever will be the next contender I will take I will clean the division again.”
And dissecting his title affair with the surging Nurmagomedov — who’s recent from his premiere essential occasion win over former title challenger, Cory Sandhagen, Dvalishvili has as soon as extra known as into query whether or not or not the Russian star truly deserves a shot at championship spoils.
“Umar is a good fighter. It’s a big challenge, but he don’t earn it like the rest of us,” Merab Dvalishvili instructed ESPN. “Everyone knows we work arduous to get right here, I don’t get something simple, however it in some way will get simple. He simply complains on a regular basis that no person needs to struggle him, however there are such a lot of good fighters. There’s (Mario) Bautista, there are different fighters which are killers.
“But yeah, he fought only (Cory) Sandhagen (with) no wrestling, and he’s using that excuse that he beat the No. 2 guy, and now he’s here. It’s a big challenge, but the only thing I hate is that he don’t earn it how UFC fighters should earn it, and he’s just cocky. He should be humble at least, and he just disrespects me and lying, and that’s not what real men should do. That’s it.”
