Merab Dvalishvili is steadfast in his belief that there are several bantamweight contenders more deserving of a title shot than Umar Nurmagomedov. Dvalishvili and Nurmagomedov are scheduled to clash for the 135-pound title in the co-main event of UFC 311 on Jan. 18.
According to the champion, his opponent’s well-known surname and connection to cousin Khabib Nurmagomedov allowed him the chance to compete for UFC gold prematurely.
‘The Machine’ had previously identified former champion, Petr Yan, as a viable contender for a title shot. But during a recent interview with Brian Campbell, the Georgian named tenth-ranked bantamweight Mario Bautista as another fighter more deserving of a title shot than ‘Young Eagle’.
Nurmagomedov is currently undefeated at 18-0, and holds a 6-0 record in the octagon. Bautista is 9-2 inside the UFC, and is riding a seven-fight winning streak.
Dvalishvili said this during his recent interview:
“I always said if the UFC wants [me to fight Umar], of course I’ll fight him. But he has to fight more… There are so many good fighters. How about [Mario] Bautista? He has a seven-fight winning streak. Nobody cares. He deserves [the title shot] more, but I guess he doesn’t have a cousin like Khabib.”
Check out Merab Dvalishvili’s comments on Umar Nurmagomedov below (2:40):