UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov believes that Merab Dvalishvili’s recent outbursts can be linked to the heightened pressures that come with holding a world title.
Since winning the UFC bantamweight championship at UFC 306, Dvalishvili has had a tumultuous few months. He transitioned from initially dismissing Umar Nurmagomedov’s claims for a title shot to agreeing to face him at UFC 311, though this decision was accompanied by a tense build-up in recent weeks.
Tensions are palpable between Dvalishvili and Nurmagomedov following a backstage altercation before their first press conference for UFC 311. The animosity was only further amplified during the press conference when both bantamweights monopolized the microphone time, showcasing the friction between them.
Khabib Nurmagomedov, who is Umar’s cousin, has experienced heated rivalries and knows the complexities of being a champion. Many remember his rivalry with Conor McGregor as one of the most intense feuds in combat sports history, which adds another layer of context to the current situation.
While the rivalry between Dvalishvili and Nurmagomedov may not reach the same dramatic heights as the Khabib versus McGregor feud, it still adds an intriguing narrative to the co-main event at UFC 311. Following a calmer period leading up to his title victory over Sean O’Malley, Dvalishvili will now step into the Octagon with a personal vendetta in his first title defense against Umar.
Khabib has conveyed his thoughts that Dvalishvili’s recent fiery remarks indicate an inability to cope with the expectations that come with being a champion. He believes Dvalishvili has inadvertently revealed his struggles ahead of the highly anticipated UFC 311.
As reported by Red Corner MMA, Nurmagomedov discussed Dvalishvili’s behavior, stating, “I think when he began his career, he was acting good. When he became champion, he cannot deal with this. Because life changes. Before champion and after champion, there are two lives. You have to deal with it.”
Nurmagomedov further elaborated on Umar’s merit for the title shot, asserting, “Umar’s here not because he is my cousin. He’s here because he’s 18-0 and 6-0 in the UFC. Umar wants to create his legacy. January 18, he will show why Merab is nervous.”
As of now, Dvalishvili has yet to respond to Khabib’s comments. Recently, he lightheartedly poked fun at Khabib, Umar, and their circle by recreating an infamous jacuzzi photo, potentially indicating he intends to keep the tone light amidst the escalating tension.
Umar Nurmagomedov, who remains unbeaten, will have Khabib in his corner for the UFC 311 bout next month. During his journey towards this title shot, Nurmagomedov has bested notable fighters such as Cory Sandhagen and Raoni Barcelos.
Dvalishvili also boasts a lengthy unbeaten streak, having secured the title by defeating O’Malley in a unanimous decision. Prior to outpointing O’Malley, he achieved significant victories against former champions like Petr Yan, Henry Cejudo, and José Aldo.
UFC 311 will prove to be a particularly eventful night for Khabib, as he coaches two of the card’s outstanding headliners. In the main event, his longtime teammate Islam Makhachev will defend the UFC lightweight title in a rematch against Arman Tsarukyan.
Ultimately, Dvalishvili has the chance to disprove Khabib, Umar, and his detractors in his forthcoming first title defense. However, Khabib asserts that Dvalishvili’s visible anger towards Umar reflects his struggle to cope with the demands that accompany being a titleholder.
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