Noche UFC headliner Merab Dvalishvili has a problem with Umar Nurmagomedov.
Specifically, how the undefeated bantamweight was able to score a 135-pound title shot after what “The Machine” believes was the path of least resistance — thanks to his relationship with former UFC lightweight champion (and Dana White broski) Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Umar doesn’t have time for those tears.
“[Petr] Yan fought for title after six wins,” Nurmagomedov wrote on Twitter. “[Sean] O’Malley after four wins. Merab could fight for title with [Aljamain Sterling] last year. You have to stop crying. You’re just scared that I will take everything from you.”
It’s a scenario one fight away from fruition.
If Dvalishvili is able to capture the bantamweight crown next month in The Sphere, he’s expected to make his first title defense against Nurmagomedov in early 2025. If O’Malley prevails, then “The Machine” is likely to be unplugged from the title race for the foreseeable future.
High stakes (and high prices) on Sept. 14 in Las Vegas.