Merab Dvalishvili retained his UFC bantamweight title last night (Sat., Jan. 18, 2025) at UFC 311 live on ESPN+ pay-per-view (PPV) from inside Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, Calif., knocking off the previously undefeated sensation Umar Nurmagomedov with an exciting unanimous decision.
Dvalishvili wasn’t able to use his wrestling in the first round, but he did well enough on the feet to make it an even affair. That was until Nurmagomedov clipped the champion with a right hand and briefly wobbled him. Nurmagomedov continued his offensive output early into the second round with an array of punches and kicks. The undefeated challenger then decided to change levels after a scramble along the cage and took Dvalishvili down. Dvalishvili would eventually return to his feet, but he was having trouble dealing with Nurmagomedov’s athleticism and speed.
Dvalishvili returned to form midway through the third round with a snapping takedown of the challenger. He followed it up with another takedown, but Nurmagomedov quickly transitioned on the way down and spoiled the champ’s brief momentum swing. Nurmagomedov did look tired on the stool entering the fourth round.
The champion gained full control of the fight in the fourth as he implemented more takedowns and kept the pressure up. Nurmagomedov looked completely spent, but was still firing back. Dvalishvili would not be denied, though, as he moved inside for yet another takedown. It was incredible to see, especially considering how durable we thought Nurmagomedov was.
Both bantamweights would land good shots on the feet in the fifth round, but Dvalishvili poured on more takedowns. The champion even clipped Nurmagomedov with a stiff right hand towards the end of the fight. In the end, it was Dvalishvili who walked away with the decision win with scores of 48–47, 48–47, and 49–46.
Check out the official scorecards below and let us know how you scored Dvalishvili vs. Nurmagomedov:
Merab/Umar scorecards#UFC311 pic.twitter.com/JVV3urGJFR
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) January 19, 2025
For complete UFC 311 results, coverage, and highlights click HERE.