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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 […]

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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.

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

Aljamain Sterling Uses O’Malley vs. Vera To Justify Merab Dvalishvili’s Preferred Next Opponent

Despite the UFC’s attempt to get the ball rolling toward the next bantamweight title fight, Merab Dvalishvili has other plans in mind. The 135-pound weight class crowned a new champion in the main event of UFC 306, where Dvalishvili comfortably defeated Sean O’Malley. It was known going into the fight that Umar Nurmagomedov was likely […]

Continue Reading Aljamain Sterling Uses O’Malley vs. Vera To Justify Merab Dvalishvili’s Preferred Next Opponent at MMA News.

Despite the UFC’s attempt to get the ball rolling toward the next bantamweight title fight, Merab Dvalishvili has other plans in mind.

The 135-pound weight class crowned a new champion in the main event of UFC 306, where Dvalishvili comfortably defeated Sean O’Malley.

It was known going into the fight that Umar Nurmagomedov was likely going to be next, and that was only solidified when he was there in-person for the new champ being asked about the prospect of facing him.

Dvalishvili, however, believes that it is Deiveson Figueiredo who is the most deserving contender because he has more wins over top bantamweight contenders.

Aljamain Sterling Says Merab Dvalishvili Has Strong Case For Deiveson Figueiredo Being Next

In an interview with Submission Radio, Aljamain Sterling weighed in with his thoughts on Dvalishvili’s stance on his first title challenger.

The former bantamweight champion and long-term friend and training partner of the Georgian titleholder believes that his reasoning makes a lot of sense.

“Funk Master” pointed to how there have been many more instances where a title challenger was less deserving of this opportunity than Figueiredo currently is.

With this in mind, Sterling hopes that his teammate will get to have some input into deciding what will be the first step of his title reign.

“I don’t know who the UFC actually wants to push. I know Merab wants to face Deiveson Figueiredo based on his merit of what he’s done in the bantamweight division. I believe he’s beaten Rob Font, Cody Garbrandt, submitted him, and ‘Chito’ Vera. So it’s kind of hard to argue Merab’s point. I do understand that Umar did beat Sandhagen, who was ranked #2 at the time, so there’s an argument there. But I think I can see both sides, and if the champ wants to fight Deiveson Figueiredo, I mean, O’Malley got to fight a guy that wasn’t even ranked in the top five (Marlon Vera).

“So I don’t think it’s that crazy of a matchup. I don’t think the guy’s undeserving. I don’t think anyone could say he’s undeserving. But, you know, the UFC is going to do what makes the most money for them and hopefully the champ has a say in that.”

Read More: Former UFC Champ Says Herb Dean Officiated ‘Like He Had Money On O’Malley’ At UFC 306

Continue Reading Aljamain Sterling Uses O’Malley vs. Vera To Justify Merab Dvalishvili’s Preferred Next Opponent at MMA News.

MMA News’ Top 10 Finishes Of The Week (1/8–1/14)

Welcome to this week’s edition of MMA News’ Top 10 Finishes of the week! Every week, there’s highlight-reel finishes all across the MMA world, and we’ve found some of the absolute best ones to showcase. The UFC’s first event of 2023 featured plen…

Continue Reading MMA News’ Top 10 Finishes Of The Week (1/8–1/14) at MMA News.

Umar Nurmagomedov rejects potential Ricky Simon bout: “I do not want to give him a chance.”

Umar Nurmagomedov has given Ricky Simon a piece of his mind, following a perceived snub to Nurmagomedov by the top-10 ranked fighter. Nurmagomedov knocked out Raoni Barcelos in a career-best win this weekend, looking a much different style of a fighter than cousin Khabib Nurmagomedov, but just as dominant. Pre-fight, Nurmagomedov gave his opinion on […]

Umar Nurmagomedov has given Ricky Simon a piece of his mind, following a perceived snub to Nurmagomedov by the top-10 ranked fighter.

Nurmagomedov knocked out Raoni Barcelos in a career-best win this weekend, looking a much different style of a fighter than cousin Khabib Nurmagomedov, but just as dominant. Pre-fight, Nurmagomedov gave his opinion on Simon, and used the post-fight presser to give us more of the same.

Umar Nurmagomedov made it clear he feels he is being avoided by some of the bigger names in the mix at bantamweight. In Simon though, he feels there was extra disrespect added on top.

“Nobody took this fight with me in the top 15. Even this guy, Ricky Simon, said ”Hey, who are you?’‘.

Nurmagomedov continued, “I am here Ricky Simon, where are you?”

Ricky Simon is currently the tenth-ranked bantamweight in the UFC, most recently upsetting undefeated prospect Jack Shore, and reminding fans of his own potential. Umar Nurmagomedov doesn’t rate the American’s championship prospects highly though.

“I will be the champion, you will stay number eight.”

Those may sound like fighting words from the Dagestan native, but when asked if he would like to take on Simon next, he reiterated this wasn’t the case.

Umar Nurmagomedov wants March showdown, Just not with Ricky Simon

“No, I do not wanna fight with him. I have a different name, it will be in March I hope.” Umar Nurmagomedov said in a rather matter-of-fact manner.

It is clear that the way Simon spoke of him when asked about the Russian prospect has irked Nurmagomedov.

“When asked about a fight with me, he said ”Oh, who are you?”, I will show you who I am.”

“I will fight anybody, I don’t care, but not this guy. I do not want to give him a chance.”

Although it may not be Simon, Umar Nurmagomedov seems confident that we will see him again very soon, March in fact.

Who do you think Umar Nurmagomedov should fight next?

Fighters React To Umar Nurmagomedov Knocking Out Raoni Barcelos

Umar Nurmagomedov extended his undefeated record and scored possibly the best highlight of his career when he knocked out Raoni Barcelos at UFC Vegas 67. The matchup between the two bantamweights was one of the more highly-anticipated fights scheduled …

Continue Reading Fighters React To Umar Nurmagomedov Knocking Out Raoni Barcelos at MMA News.

Umar Nurmagomedov knocks out Raoni Barcelos with unorthodox left hook | UFC Vegas 67 highlights

Undefeated bantamweight prospect Umar Nurmagomedov KO’d UFC veteran Raoni Barcelos in the first round at UFC Vegas 67. Umar Nurmagomedov, the younger cousin of the legendary UFC lightweight Khabib, opened the main card of UFC Vegas 67. He took on Raoni Barcelos, a man who holds massive respect within the hardcore MMA fanbase. The bout […]

Undefeated bantamweight prospect Umar Nurmagomedov KO’d UFC veteran Raoni Barcelos in the first round at UFC Vegas 67.

Umar Nurmagomedov, the younger cousin of the legendary UFC lightweight Khabib, opened the main card of UFC Vegas 67. He took on Raoni Barcelos, a man who holds massive respect within the hardcore MMA fanbase.

The bout would begin a competitive affair. Nurmagomedov was unable to get his wrestling game going, but avoided the power shots of Barcelos for the most part. However, everything changed in the last minute of the first round. After missing a step in knee, Nurmagomedov threw a left hook, competently catching Barcelos off guard.

The Brazilian was out cold before he hit the mat, although Nurmagomedov still followed up with a straight shot to make sure. The young Dagestani then took to the mic to call out the 135lb division, issuing a challenge to the top 15 for March.

Catch highlights from Umar Nurmagomedov’s knockout win over Raoni Barcelos below:

OUT. OF. NOWHERE!!!!!!!

[ @UNmgdv | #UFCVegas67 | Live on ESPN+ ] pic.twitter.com/yxQSPU4lQG

— UFC (@ufc) January 15, 2023