Tag: UFC Bantamweight

Daniel Cormier Ready to Take Over UFC Matchmaking Duties, Fantasy Books Bantamweight Top 10

Daniel Cormier Ready to Take Over UFC Matchmaking Duties, Fantasy Books Bantamweight Top 10Stand back Sean Shelby, Daniel Cormier has got this. The UFC’s bantamweight division is perhaps the most stacked weight…

Daniel Cormier Ready to Take Over UFC Matchmaking Duties, Fantasy Books Bantamweight Top 10

Stand back Sean Shelby, Daniel Cormier has got this.

The UFC’s bantamweight division is perhaps the most stacked weight class in all of mixed martial arts, boasting a slew of former and future world champions like Sean O’Malley, Petr Yan, Deiveson Figueiredo, Henry Cejudo, and Umar Nurmagomedov.

Then there’s 135-pound titleholder Merab Dvalishvili who’s coming off a stellar performance against ‘Sugar’ at UFC 306 in Las Vegas.

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Riding an 11-fight win streak dating back to 2018, ‘The Machine’ will look to keep his unbeaten run alive when he inevitably locks up with the No. 2 ranked Nurmagomedov in 2025.

But what about the rest of the division?

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Cormier Reveals his bantamweight wishlist

Following Petr Yan’s impressive win over Figueiredo in Macau, there are a lot of intriguing matchups to be had at 135. Doing the UFC’s job for them, Cormier broke down what he believes are the bantamweight matches that the promotion should be booking for the new year.

“There is a bunch of guys at 135 that need to be matched up. So I figured, it’s time for some matchmaking,” Cormier said on his ESPN show Good Guy/Bad Guy with Chael Sonnen. “For the title…easy, Merab vs. Umar. … Then I go Yan vs. Sandhagen (2) as my second fight, Chael. Because then it gives you a clear number one contender.

“Sean O’Malley needs a big fight, right? You know who else needs a big fight? Henry Cejudo. These guys have a beef, an easy beef to sell…I say put Sean O’Malley in there with the former champion Henry Cejudo. That means more than a win over Cory Sandhagen,” Cormier continued. “After that, I’m going Figgy (Deiveson Figueiredo) vs. Dominick Cruz. And my last one, Chael, we’ve got to give Mario Bautista a chance. … I’m giving him (Marlon) ‘Chito’ Vera” (h/t MMA News).

Chances are, Sean O’Malley will walk straight into a title fight once he’s ready to return following the loss against Dvalishvili in Vegas.

Also, Yan seems to think that his win over Figueiredo has already made him worthy of a rematch with ‘The Machine,’ as evidenced by his recent post on social media responding to the reigning champ’s praise.

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Dvalishvili seemed to like the idea, even going so far as to offer ‘No Mercy’ an exact date for their potential rematch.

“Great fight Petr (Yan),” Dvalishvili said in a video posted on X. “I like your callout, and I like your respect. Let’s go again, after 2 years. March 8th, T Mobile. Let’s f*cking go.”

What bantamweight matchups would you like to see in the coming year?

Merab Dvalishvili Uses ‘Bully’ Petr Yan Example To Explain Dislike Of Russia

Merab Dvalishvili recently referenced Petr Yan as an example to articulate his disdain for Russia as a nation. Earlier this month, in the main event of Noche UFC 306 at the Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada, Dvalishivili showcased his superiority over Sean O’Malley with relentless grappling and punishing ground control to become the new UFC […]

Continue Reading Merab Dvalishvili Uses ‘Bully’ Petr Yan Example To Explain Dislike Of Russia at MMA News.

Merab Dvalishvili recently referenced Petr Yan as an example to articulate his disdain for Russia as a nation.

Earlier this month, in the main event of Noche UFC 306 at the Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada, Dvalishivili showcased his superiority over Sean O’Malley with relentless grappling and punishing ground control to become the new UFC bantamweight champion.

Despite his energetic persona, “The Machine” typically avoids the harsh trash talk that often surrounds UFC fighters. But in his pursuit of a title shot against “Suga”, Dvalishvili created a series of humorous skits, playfully mocking the former champion to help bring the fight to fruition.

When Dvalishvili faced Petr Yan in March 2023, his typically composed demeanor cracked, revealing fiery emotions as he fiercely condemned the Russian regime and voiced his deep resentment over its aggressive military occupations of neighboring countries over the years.

Dvalishvili Blames Russian Occupation Of Georgia For His Loathing Of The Country

During a recent interview with former UFC welterweight Jake Shields, Dvalishvili candidly discussed his deep-seated contempt for the Russian state. “The Machine” revealed that his animosity toward Yan was fueled by a larger resentment toward Russia, a nation that has repeatedly waged war against his homeland of Georgia over territorial conflicts, resulting in significant casualties.

“Petr Yan, he’s from Russia; he’s a bully,” Dvalishvili said. “[I don’t hate] Russian people. It’s the country because they are corrupt, and Russia occupied my country—20% of Georgia. They are my enemies. You know, when they come, of course, we treat them as guests, no problem. Of course, they love our food, they love our hospitality, but they throw bombs in the city and kill people. And we are a small country, so we ask, ‘Why are you killing us?’ I’m saying, let’s just be friends with everybody.”

Dvalishvili went on to share that at just 17 years old; he witnessed the devastation of the Russo-Georgian War in August 2008. The brutal conflict claimed the lives of many of his close friends and relatives as Russian bombs rained down on Tbilisi.

“In 1991, when they took Abkhazia, and then the second time, I was 17 in 2008, they occupied Ossetia, and so many people lost their homes. We lost so many people, and they threw bombs in the capital city.”

Continue Reading Merab Dvalishvili Uses ‘Bully’ Petr Yan Example To Explain Dislike Of Russia at MMA News.

UFC Middleweight Josh Fremd Feels Merab Dvalishvili Didn’t ‘Beat’ Beat Champion Sean O’Malley [Exclusive]

Josh Fremd recently voiced his opinion that Merab Dvalishvili didn’t definitively defeat Sean O’Malley at Noche UFC 306. Dvalishvili outclassed O’Malley with superior striking and dominant grappling, resoundingly securing the UFC bantamweight title via unanimous decision last weekend at the Las Vegas Sphere. “The Machine” racked up six takedowns over the course of the 25-minute […]

Continue Reading UFC Middleweight Josh Fremd Feels Merab Dvalishvili Didn’t ‘Beat’ Beat Champion Sean O’Malley [Exclusive] at MMA News.

Josh Fremd recently voiced his opinion that Merab Dvalishvili didn’t definitively defeat Sean O’Malley at Noche UFC 306.

Dvalishvili outclassed O’Malley with superior striking and dominant grappling, resoundingly securing the UFC bantamweight title via unanimous decision last weekend at the Las Vegas Sphere.

“The Machine” racked up six takedowns over the course of the 25-minute bout. He dominated large portions of the fight on the ground, effortlessly nullifying his opponent’s power striking.

“Suga” endured the most one-sided loss of his career, yet he has since contested the judges’ scorecards. In a series of posts on X, he argued that he should have been awarded the decision, claiming to have won rounds one, three, and five.

Fremd echoed O’Malley’s sentiments, questioning whether Dvalishvili truly deserved the victory…

Fremd After Reviewing O’Malley vs. Dvalishvili: ‘It Depends On What The Judges Were Looking For’

During a recent interview with MMA News’ Ryan Jarrell, Fremd shared his thoughts on the O’Malley vs. Dvalishvili title fight. The UFC middleweight prospect revealed that after rewatching the bout, he felt “Suga” didn’t showcase his full potential, and Dvalishvili’s victory wasn’t as decisive as it seemed.

Fremd also voiced concerns about the judges’ scorecards, suggesting they may not have accurately reflected the matchup.

“I thought it looked like O’Malley had an off night,” Fremd said. “After watching it again without commentary or anything like that, I don’t know. I feel like you have to beat, beat the champion, and I don’t know… after rewatching it, in the moment, it definitely seemed like Merab won with his wrestling, grappling, and dominance. But when you go back and look at it, I don’t know… it depends on what the judges were looking for and how exactly they scored it. But congrats to Merab, that was an amazing performance.”

The 30-year-old Colorado native further discussed whether “Suga” deserves an immediate rematch upon his return or if he should face another opponent first to work his way back into the title picture.

“I think, personally, since he’s such a huge star, he should get an immediate rematch,” Fremd responded. “If not, then him versus [Cory] Sandhagen would be an amazing fight to watch, so either one, I think, works.”

Continue Reading UFC Middleweight Josh Fremd Feels Merab Dvalishvili Didn’t ‘Beat’ Beat Champion Sean O’Malley [Exclusive] at MMA News.

Umar Nurmagomedov’s Coach On Merab Dvalishvili: ‘Cain Velasquez In The Bantamweight Division’

Umar Nurmagomedov’s coach recently heaped praise on Merab Dvalishvili’s relentless fighting style. “The Machine” turned in arguably the best performance of his career when it mattered most, dominating Sean O’Malley in the main event of Noche UFC 306 last weekend at the Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada, to claim the 135-pound title. The bout played […]

Continue Reading Umar Nurmagomedov’s Coach On Merab Dvalishvili: ‘Cain Velasquez In The Bantamweight Division’ at MMA News.

Umar Nurmagomedov’s coach recently heaped praise on Merab Dvalishvili’s relentless fighting style.

“The Machine” turned in arguably the best performance of his career when it mattered most, dominating Sean O’Malley in the main event of Noche UFC 306 last weekend at the Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada, to claim the 135-pound title.

The bout played out precisely as many experts had foreseen, with Dvalishvili applying relentless aggression from the opening bell to the final horn. His barrage of takedowns and commanding grappling exchanges completely neutralized O’Malley’s striking arsenal.

Dvalishvili was all gas, no brakes, taking “Suga” down at will and dictating the pace for the majority of the contest. By the end, the victor was clear, with Dvalishvili claiming UFC gold via a decisive unanimous decision from the judges.

Following Dvalishvili’s victory, a whirlwind of speculation has erupted over who will step up as the Georgian’s first title challenger. Throughout fight week, the newly crowned UFC bantamweight champion has consistently floated Deiveson Figueiredo as the most deserving opponent. At the same time, Dvalishvili has shown a noticeable disinclination to face the undefeated Nurmagomedov next.

Mendez Foresees How Potential Dvalishvili vs. Nurmagomedov Clash Would Play Out

During a recent interview with Submission Radio, Mendez was asked to weigh in on how a potential title showdown between Dvalishvili and Nurmagomedov might unfold. The renowned MMA coach lauded ‘The Machine’s’ incredible cardio, predicting that the reigning champion would present a formidable challenge for his protégé. However, he noted that the Dagestani has certain advantages that could shift the momentum in his direction.

“It’s going to be fought on the standup, it’s going to be fought on the ground,” Mendez said. “I believe we’re sharper on the stand-up. I believe we’re sharper on the ground. I believe what he has is incredible cardio, and that’s a big part that’s to his advantage. I don’t know of anybody in the bantamweight division that has that kind of advantage. He’s got incredible cardio, so if you’re going to go with him and it’s going to go five rounds, you’ve got to be prepared to go five hard first rounds because that’s what this guy is all about. He’s got an incredible gas tank; he kind of reminds me of Cain Velasquez in the bantamweight division.”

Mendez went on to reveal that Nurmagomedov is poised to be the next challenger for Dvalishvili’s title. According to him, discussions for the potential showdown are already underway, though he expressed some uncertainty about how things will unfold in the near future.

“As far as I know, it [the fight] is being offered. It’s just a matter of whether they can work out the deal. You never know what’s going on behind the scenes, right? So even though I’m telling you this, it may be something else. I do know that we are supposed to be the next challengers after this [Noche UFC 306]. That’s why he [Nurmagomedov] was there. Why did they show him as the next challenger for the title? Why did Joe Rogan even bring it up if they weren’t trying to build up the next fight? It’s the next fight. Now, will it happen? Let’s see.”

Nurmagomedov is riding a six-fight undefeated streak in the Octagon and is fresh off a commanding unanimous decision victory over Cory Sandhagen in the main event of UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi this past August.

The younger cousin of UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov has been campaigning for a title shot ever since his last victory, but Dvalishvili has put his challenge on ice. Now, only time will reveal who the reigning champion selects as his next opponent.

Continue Reading Umar Nurmagomedov’s Coach On Merab Dvalishvili: ‘Cain Velasquez In The Bantamweight Division’ at MMA News.

Merab Dvalishvili Feels Former Champ More Deserving Of Next Title Shot Than Umar Nurmagomedov

Merab Dvalishvili recently voiced his belief that a former UFC champion is far more deserving of the next bantamweight title shot than rising star Umar Nurmagomedov. Dvalishvili is gearing up for his first title opportunity against bantamweight champi…

Merab Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov

Merab Dvalishvili recently voiced his belief that a former UFC champion is far more deserving of the next bantamweight title shot than rising star Umar Nurmagomedov. Dvalishvili is gearing up for his first title opportunity against bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley in the main event of UFC 306, which is set to go down next weekend […]

Continue Reading Merab Dvalishvili Feels Former Champ More Deserving Of Next Title Shot Than Umar Nurmagomedov at MMA News.

Sean O’Malley Gives Merab Dvalishvili Advice On Umar Nurmagomedov Title Defence

Sean O’Malley recently shared some tips for Merab Dvalishvili regarding his potential first title defense against the rising contender, Umar Nurmagomedov. Dvalishvili secured the bantamweight title, dominantly defeating reigning titleholder O’Malley by unanimous decision in the main event of Noche UFC 306, held on September 14 at the Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada. After “The […]

Continue Reading Sean O’Malley Gives Merab Dvalishvili Advice On Umar Nurmagomedov Title Defence at MMA News.

Sean O’Malley recently shared some tips for Merab Dvalishvili regarding his potential first title defense against the rising contender, Umar Nurmagomedov.

Dvalishvili secured the bantamweight title, dominantly defeating reigning titleholder O’Malley by unanimous decision in the main event of Noche UFC 306, held on September 14 at the Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada.

After “The Machine” captured the 135-pound crown, anticipation quickly mounted over who would emerge as his first challenger. Even before becoming champion, Dvalishvili often pointed to former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo as the most meritorious opponent.

Meanwhile, the 34-year-old Georgian has shown clear reluctance to face Nurmagomedov, citing the Dagestani’s lack of experience against top-ranked opponents. However, last week, Dvalishvili appeared to shift his stance on Nurmagomedov in a post on X, stating that he’s ready to take on whoever the UFC places in front of him next.

O’Malley, for his part, believes “The Machine” is making a smart move by aligning with the UFC’s plans for his future…

O’Malley Suggests Dvalishvili Could Strain UFC Ties By Refusing Nurmagomedov Fight

During a recent episode of his TimboSugarShow, O’Malley weighed in on who Dvalishvili should face in his first title defense. “Suga” advised that if the UFC wants the newly crowned champion to take on Nurmagomedov next, he should accept the fight. Otherwise, Dvalishvili risks jeopardizing his relationship with the promotion, which O’Malley believes would be an unwise move.

“He [Dvalishvili] said he’s not fighting Umar. I’m like, bro, do you not learn from Aljo [Aljamain Sterling]?” O’Malley said. “You’re not going to come out and say, ‘I’m not fighting Umar.’ You’re the champ, and Umar was supposed to be the next guy… If I’m giving any advice, it’s just f**king don’t go against what the UFC wants. If the UFC wants you to fight Umar, f**king fight Umar. Don’t say, ‘I’m not going to fight Umar.’ It’s like, then you’re not going to have a good relationship with the UFC.”

Nurmagomedov is fresh off a commanding victory over former interim title challenger Cory Sandhagen at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi last month. This triumph not only extended the 28-year-old Dagestani’s unbeaten streak to six but also solidified his standing as a top contender for the bantamweight belt. However, only time will reveal who Dvalishvili will face next.

Read More: Merab Dvalishvili Explains Why He Questioned Islam Makhachev, Umar Nurmagomedov & Other Fighters Representing Russia

Continue Reading Sean O’Malley Gives Merab Dvalishvili Advice On Umar Nurmagomedov Title Defence at MMA News.