Reigning UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili nearly came to blows with undefeated contender Umar Nurmagomedov earlier tonight (Fri., Dec. 6, 2024). This encounter happened backstage ahead of UFC 311’s pre-fight press conference, which can be replayed HERE.
Earlier this week, UFC CEO Dana White revealed the upcoming fight card for UFC 311, set to take place on Jan. 18 inside Intuit Arena in Inglewood, California. One of the two title fights featured at UFC’s first pay-per-view (PPV) card of 2025 will be a bantamweight clash between Dvalishvili and Nurmagomedov. This fight marks Dvalishvili’s first official title defense since his dominant victory over Sean O’Malley at UFC 306 to claim the championship.
Believe it or not, Dvalishvili and Nurmagomedov are not on good terms. The tension stems from Nurmagomedov’s habit of trash-talking in his bid for an official UFC title shot over the past couple of months. Dvalishvili, known for being an emotional fighter, has taken these comments personally. In fact, Dana White confirmed that Dvalishvili stormed into the UFC offices earlier this week to demand a matchup against Nurmagomedov.
“Merab came into the office late last night and told us he’s tired of listening to Umar disrespect him and that he wants to make this fight as soon as possible,” White stated via Instagram. “We called Umar, he was sleeping in Dagestan, and he said, ‘Hell yes! Anywhere, any time.'”
On Friday, the tension escalated as Merab and Umar faced off backstage before their UFC 311 pre-fight press conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. Dvalishvili confronted Nurmagomedov, questioning why he has been disrespectful. Nurmagomedov stood his ground, and it was evident that both bantamweights were ready to throw hands if not for the intervention of security.
The encounter included heated exchanges: “I will be in Vegas, call me. Anytime,” said Nurmagomedov. “Come here, I’m here now,” Dvalishvili retorted. “Here, a lot of security. Call me, we’re gonna see,” Umar shot back. “Okay, I will call you,” Merab concluded.
For more UFC 311 fight card news and coverage, click HERE.
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