Demetrious Johnson Discusses Bantamweight Title Picture After UFC Abu Dhabi: ‘I Can’t Wait To See All Three Of These Guys Lock Horns…’

In the main event of this past weekend’s UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi, a new top bantamweight contender emerged. Umar Nurmagomedov was able to leapfrog the majority of the top ten at 135-pounds by defeating Cory Sandhagen over five rounds. Many have expected for a long time that Nurmagomedov just needed the opportunity to […]

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In the main event of this past weekend’s UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi, a new top bantamweight contender emerged.

Umar Nurmagomedov was able to leapfrog the majority of the top ten at 135-pounds by defeating Cory Sandhagen over five rounds.

Many have expected for a long time that Nurmagomedov just needed the opportunity to show that he was an elite level talent and that finally happened him for on Saturday night.

With Sean O’Malley set to defend the bantamweight title in the main event of UFC 306 next month against Merab Dvalishvili, the shadow of a new contender looms overhead and makes for some exciting options.

Demetrious Johnson Says He’s Excited To See Umar Nurmagomedov Face Sean O’Malley & Merab Dvalishvili

In his review of the main event, former UFC and current ONE Championship flyweight king Demetrious Johnson said that he’s excited to see how this division plays out in the coming months.

He was left very impressed by Nurmagomedov’s performance and believes that he should be the next in line to face the winner of the upcoming title fight.

“Mighty Mouse” spoke about how either option of O’Malley or Dvalishvili taking on Nurmagomedov in a title defense makes for an engaging match-up.

Whichever way it ends up unfolding, Johnson is excited to now have another name in the mix at the top end of bantamweight.

“I like him [Nurmagomedov] taking him [O’Malley] to the ground, I don’t think he’ll be able to get Merab down, I’m not sure. But, I think this match-up, whoever wins this one fighting Umar, I think it’s the right thing to do and I can’t wait to see all three of these guys get the opportunity to lock horns each other or one of them fights the other one.”

Read also: Javier Mendez Chooses Between Khabib & Umar Nurmagomedov In Striking, Grappling, Mental Toughness, & Chin

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Merab Dvalishvili accuses Umar Nurmagomedov of ‘Cheating’ his way into title fight

Merab Dvalishvili accuses Umar Nurmagomedov of 'Cheating' his way to title fightAhead of his own surge to the bantamweight title at Noche UFC next month, Merab Dvalishvili claims the unbeaten,…

Merab Dvalishvili accuses Umar Nurmagomedov of 'Cheating' his way to title fight

Ahead of his own surge to the bantamweight title at Noche UFC next month, Merab Dvalishvili claims the unbeaten, Umar Nurmagomedov has somewhat “cheated” his way to a shot at gold – given his ties to former champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Dvalishvili, the current number one ranked bantamweight contender is slated to return to action next month at the Las Vegas Sphere, headlining Noche UFC in a title fight grudge match with the incumbent, Sean O’Malley.

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Sidelined since UFC 298 earlier this annum, Dvalishvili earned a much-deserved shot at bantamweight spoils with a shutout unanimous decision win over former two-weight champion, Henry Cejudo in Anaheim. 

For Nurmagomedov the unbeaten Russian challenger turned in the most high-profile victory of his Octagon tenure to date, landing a one-sided unanimous decision win over streaking number two ranked challenger, Cory Sandhagen over the weekend at UFC Abu Dhabi.

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Merab Dvalishvili hits out at Umar Nurmagomedov

And tipped to take on the victor of next month’s title showdown between O’Malley and Dvalishvili, the Georgian has claimed Nurmagomedov’s rise to title contention is “cheating” – given his run through contenders who are not ranked within the top-15.

Umar Nurmagomedov lands decision win over Cory Sandhagen in return fight - UFC Abu Dhabi Highlights

“Umar (Nurmagomedov), let’s see,” Merab Dvalishvili told HeavyweightMMA. “He has a big test now. I know the UFC [are] pushing him. He don’t deserve the push like this. He’s a good fighter, but he beat nobody and he’s ranked number ten. Now, he’s fighting number two. He has a push because we all know why. He’s Khabib’s cousin. He’s a good fighter. I have all the respect [for] him.”

“It leaves me heartbroken when you see sometimes when you working hard I wasn’t sure if I was getting a title fight until two weeks ago,” Merab Dvalishvili explained. “He’s a good fighter, but we will see. I’m not excited for this fight because I know he got here easy. He’s a good fighter but he got pushed. It’s like cheating a little bit to get here. I have 12 fights in the UFC, O beat like seven or eight ranked fighters Umar don’t fight any ranked fighters yet.”

UFC Commentator Heaps Praise On Umar Nurmagomedov: ‘He’ll Be Favorite Against Sean Or Merab’

The biggest fight of Umar Nurmagomedov’s career led to his most impressive performance to date in the main event this past weekend. There’s been hype surrounding him for a long time now but in an opponent like Cory Sandhagen, he was facing his most skilled, dangerous, and experienced opponent. Nurmagomedov got his hand raised at […]

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The biggest fight of Umar Nurmagomedov’s career led to his most impressive performance to date in the main event this past weekend.

There’s been hype surrounding him for a long time now but in an opponent like Cory Sandhagen, he was facing his most skilled, dangerous, and experienced opponent.

Nurmagomedov got his hand raised at the end of five rounds in Abu Dhabi and could have leapfrogged the rest of the division with this win.

He may have been holding the #11-ranking in the division but the writing has been on the wall for some time now in terms of his ranking not reflecting his ability.

UFC commentator Jon Anik believes that even with Sandhagen being his first big win, he would expect Nurmagomedov to be a betting favorite over the two men that are set to fight over the bantamweight title next month.

Jon Anik Believes That Umar Nurmagomedov Will Be A Betting Favorite When He Fights For The Title

In a recent interview with Submission Radio, Anik was asked about Nurmagomedov’s win and who he thinks he will end up fighting for the bantamweight title which is set to be contested between Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306, in September.

The UFC commentator didn’t pick a winner in that fight for obvious reasons, but he did say that Nurmagomedov could be the oddsmakers pick in either match-up.

He started by complimenting the undefeated contender both for his skills inside the Octagon and his conduct outside of it.

“Umar is like one of the most impressive human beings, fighters, that I’ve met in any walk of life. His ability to connect with people in English already is insane relative to what it was like 24 months ago and he’s always banging on himself in terms of his ability to speak English. He’s fantastic. He’ll be favored against Sean or Merab, I feel pretty convicted in saying that. I just don’t think a lot of guys would be able to dominate Cory Sandhagen in that way. With respect to Cory, and my kids distracting me, I gave Umar all five rounds so impressed doesn’t even begin to describe it.”

Judge Mike Bell agreed with Anik’s viewpoint, awarding all five rounds to Nurmagomedov on the scorecards whilst Ben Cartlidge and David Lethaby both gave Sandhagen one of the five.

Read also: VIDEO: UFC Champ Sean O’Malley Reacts To ‘Close Fight’ Between Umar Nurmagomedov & Cory Sandhagen

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Khabib Names Who He’d Rather Umar Nurmagomedov Fight For The UFC Bantamweight Title Out Of Sean O’Malley & Merab Dvalishvili

After having his own run in the UFC as a dominant undefeated champion years ago, Khabib Nurmagomedov is now helping to mentor others toward their own reigns. Islam Makhachev already has secured the lightweight title, and now cousin Umar Nurmagomedov may be next. Umar secured a clear decision win over Cory Sandhagen in the main […]

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After having his own run in the UFC as a dominant undefeated champion years ago, Khabib Nurmagomedov is now helping to mentor others toward their own reigns. Islam Makhachev already has secured the lightweight title, and now cousin Umar Nurmagomedov may be next.

Umar secured a clear decision win over Cory Sandhagen in the main event of Saturday’s UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi. The bout seemingly served as a bantamweight title eliminator, and “The Young Eagle” is most likely next in line to challenge the winner of the Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili title fight that takes place at The Sphere on September 14.

Following Umar’s win, Khabib Nurmagomedov was asked about his thoughts on who his cousin might have a better matchup with when it comes to claiming the gold. The former lightweight champion says the undefeated up-and-comer will be prepared regardless of who is holding the title.

That’s not to say he doesn’t have a preference, though…

Khabib Nurmagomedov Says Cousin Umar Nurmagomedov Is Ready To Be UFC Champion

“I want Merab to be honest, because he’s from Georgia. [Dagestan and Georgia are] neighbors. I want Merab to win because it’s going to be a very interesting fight. White papakha vs. black papakha. But if O’Malley wins, it’s going to be white papakha vs. pink papakha.

“He’s going to be good competition for O’Malley. A very good fight, high-level fight for all of the fans all over the world. It’s not easy to beat Umar. And it’s not easy to beat Merab or Sean O’Malley. This is high level. Anything can happen, but in my opinion, Umar is ready.”

Umar Nurmagomedov is now 6-0 in the UFC (and 18-0 overall) since entering the promotion in 2021.

O’Malley, meanwhile, won the bantamweight championship by defeating Aljamain Sterling at UFC 292. He retained the title against Marlon “Chito” Vera at UFC 299 in Miami this past March.

For his part, Dvalishvili has won 10 straight fights, clinching himself a title shot after defeating former champion Henry Cejudo at UFC 298 in February.

Continue Reading Khabib Names Who He’d Rather Umar Nurmagomedov Fight For The UFC Bantamweight Title Out Of Sean O’Malley & Merab Dvalishvili at MMA News.

Marlon Vera Questions Merab Dvalishvili’s Chin Ahead Of Sean O’Malley Title Fight: ‘If You’re Getting Dropped By Cejudo…’

UFC bantamweight Marlon Vera can see former opponent Sean O’Malley stopping Merab Dvalishvili early when they square off at the Sphere. O’Malley, the reigning 135-pound champion, is currently gearing up for his second defense of the title since winning it from Aljamain Sterling at UFC 292 in Boston last August. “Sugar” got his divisional rule […]

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UFC bantamweight Marlon Vera can see former opponent Sean O’Malley stopping Merab Dvalishvili early when they square off at the Sphere.

O’Malley, the reigning 135-pound champion, is currently gearing up for his second defense of the title since winning it from Aljamain Sterling at UFC 292 in Boston last August. “Sugar” got his divisional rule underway in emphatic style this past March, dominantly outpointing “Chito” in their headlining rematch at UFC 299 in Miami.

Vera will be the first to return to action, battling Deiveson Figueiredo this Saturday in Abu Dhabi. The champ, meanwhile, is slated to put his gold on the line opposite Dvalishvili in the main event of UFC 306/Noche UFC.

O’Malley will look to stall the Georgian challenger’s title ambitions inside the unique surroundings of the Sphere on September 14. And should he connect with a shot early, Vera thinks he has a good chance of doing so…

Vera: O’Malley Could Finish Dvalishvili ‘If He Catches Him Early’

During his appearance at media day ahead of this weekend’s UFC Fight Night, Vera looked ahead to his opportunity to revive his title ambitions and commented on the next championship bout set for the 135-pound division.

After laying some heavy praise on his most recent opponent, the Ecuadorian gave a dismissive take on Dvalishvili, highlighting the knockdown he suffered opposite Henry Cejudo this past February as evidence he can be knocked out.

“(O’Malley’s) a great fighter. I would be more worried about Merab’s chin,” Vera said. “He’s been dropped by everybody. I mean, if you get dropped by Henry Cejudo, good lord. F*ck, that’s a f*cking four-foot motherf*cker right there. If he (O’Malley) catches him early, the fight could be over.”

O’Malley has shared a similar prediction, vowing to repeat the feat he achieved opposite Dvalishvili’s teammate in 2023 to deliver a statement-making second successful defense in Las Vegas this fall.

Continue Reading Marlon Vera Questions Merab Dvalishvili’s Chin Ahead Of Sean O’Malley Title Fight: ‘If You’re Getting Dropped By Cejudo…’ at MMA News.

VIDEO: Sean O’Malley & Merab Dvalishvili Go Back & Forth While Face To Face For UFC 306 Promo

The lead-up to Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili’s UFC 306/Noche UFC headliner at the Sphere in September looks set to be a heated one. Mixed martial arts’ premier organization will stage its second celebration of Mexican Independence Day on September 14. Las Vegas is once again the host venue, but the Octagon will be in […]

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The lead-up to Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili’s UFC 306/Noche UFC headliner at the Sphere in September looks set to be a heated one.

Mixed martial arts’ premier organization will stage its second celebration of Mexican Independence Day on September 14. Las Vegas is once again the host venue, but the Octagon will be in significantly different surroundings this time around.

Instead of the T-Mobile Arena, the 2024 edition of Noche UFC will take place inside the unique Sphere venue. For months now, UFC CEO Dana White has promised a sporting spectacle like nothing seen before.

Tasked with delivering on that with blockbuster action inside the cage are headliners O’Malley and Dvalishvili, who will collide with the former’s bantamweight championship on the line in the main event.

The pair have long gone back and forth over their matchup, and that trend shows no sign of waning as UFC 306 approaches…

O’Malley, Dvalishvili Trade Barbs Over Coach Altercation

“Sugar” and his Georgian challenger recently shared the same space to complete a promotional shoot for the highly anticipated Sphere show.

Unsurprisingly, things threatened to boil over. And as O’Malley and Dvalishvili exchanged words, their fellow UFC 306 fighter Alexa Grasso reveled in the tension…

The point of discussion appeared to surround an altercation between Dvalishvili and O’Malley’s head coach Tim Welch back in May. The incident also involved Aljamain Sterling, who had accused the trainer of heckling him from the corner during his title defeat to “Sugar” last August.

“I will smash O’Malley inside the cage and then smash his coach outside of the cage,” Dvalishvili said.

O’Malley told his upcoming opponent to follow through on his threats.

“If you have a problem with him, you can take it up with him. He’ll fight you. If that’s what you want. After the fight, you should definitely try to smack his face. You should definitely try that. That would be funny. You should try that.”

When Dvalishvili said he was hoping to catch up with Welch on the streets, O’Malley once again welcomed that possiblity.

“You could street fight him. I’d love to see that. You want to die? Is that what you’re saying? He’ll kill you.”

Continue Reading VIDEO: Sean O’Malley & Merab Dvalishvili Go Back & Forth While Face To Face For UFC 306 Promo at MMA News.