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Sean O’Malley Reacts to Nurmagomedov’s ‘Ashamed’ Championship Status: ‘Bigger than Conor’

Sean O’Malley Reacts to Nurmagomedov’s ‘Ashamed’ Championship Status: 'Bigger than Conor' Sean O’Malley recognizes that Umar Nurmagomedov presents one of the toughest tests in the bantamweight division. Still, ‘Sugar’ is…

Sean O’Malley recognizes that Umar Nurmagomedov presents one of the toughest tests in the bantamweight division. Still, ‘Sugar’ is confident that he’d “chin” undefeated Dagestani standout should they meet inside the Octagon.

Following his big win over Cory Sandhagen in Abu Dhabi, the 18-0 Nurmagomedov said he was “ashamed” of having O’Malley as the bantamweight division’s top dog.

Responding to the Dagestani’s comment during a recent episode of his TimboSugarShow podcast with coach Tim Welch, O’Malley gave Nurmagomedov his props but remains confident he can put the unbeaten contender’s lights out should their paths cross.

“I could chin anybody in the division,” O’Malley said. “Umar is a tough fight. I thought Aljo [Sterling] was the toughest fight in the division for me at the time, and I knocked him out. I think Umar is probably one of the toughest challenges in the division” (h/t MMA News).

Sean O’Malley thinks a win over Umar Nurmagomedov would be a good way to stick it to Conor McGregor

Given his recent tiff with Irish megastar Conor McGregor, O’Malley also loves to idea of doing what ‘Mystic Mac’ never could — taking a Nurmagomedov’s ‘O.’

“I think it makes it an interesting match, but O’Malley vs. Nurmagomedov could be one way I become, you know, bigger than Conor, like I’ve claimed I’ve wanted to be,” O’Malley continued. “If I do what he couldn’t do—beat a Nurmagomedov, take away the ‘O’—that would really sting him. He’s already mad at me, jealous, but this would really sting him.”

McGregor’s rivalry with Umar Nurmagomedov’s cousin, Khabib Nurmagomedov, is among the most intense in UFC history.

Though they only met once inside the Octagon, their feud is still as lively as ever with the Irishman taking regular digs at ‘The Eagle’ on social media and in interviews.

Umar Nurmagomedov shuts down Merab Dvalishvili: ‘Stop crying’

Amid their ongoing rivalry, unbeaten bantamweight contender, Umar Nurmagomedov has hit out at incoming title challenger, Merab Dvalishvili after…

Amid their ongoing rivalry, unbeaten bantamweight contender, Umar Nurmagomedov has hit out at incoming title challenger, Merab Dvalishvili after the Georgian accused him of somewhat “cheating” his way to title contention after his UFC Abu Dhabi victory.

Nurmagomedov, who managed to scoop the number two rank in the division over the course of last weekend, turned in a dominant unanimous decision win over former interim title challenger, Cory Sandhagen in his return to action, improving to 18-0 as a professional to boot.

As for Dvalishvili, the Tbilisi native is scheduled to finally challenge for gold next month in the main event of Noche UFC at the Las Vegas Sphere, taking on the incumbent bantamweight best, Sean O’Malley.

Sidelined since he featured at UFC 298 back in February, Dvalishvili turned in a one-sided unanimous decision win over Henry Cejudo to earn his title pairing with Montana striker, O’Malley.

And reacting to Umar Nurmagomedov’s win over Sandhagen, Dvalishvili claimed the Russian’s connection with his cousin, Khabib Nurmagomedov saw him “cheat” his way to a title charge.

Umar (Nurmagomedov), let’s see,” Merab Dvalishvili said. “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.”

Umar Nurmagomedov issues warning to Merab Dvalishvili

And replying to Dvalishvili, unbeaten star, Umar Nurmagomedov urged the Georgian to just “stop crying” and accept his rise through challengers.

Merab Dvalishvili set to serve as backup to UFC 299 title fight main event already cutting weight — Mandatory Credit: Media News Group – Los Angles Daily News

“(Petr) Yan fought for title after six wins,” Umar Nurmagomedov posted on his official X account. “(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.”

Yan fought for title after 6 win
Omaley after 4 win
Merab could fight for title with Aljo last year.
You have to Stop crying
You just scared that I will take everything from you.

— Umar Nurmagomedov (@UNmgdv) August 6, 2024

Umar Nurmagomedov Touts Bellator Champion As Islam Makhachev’s UFC Lightweight Successor

UFC bantamweight contender Umar Nurmagomedov has an idea of who could inherit the promotion’s lightweight crown from Islam Makhachev upon the conclusion of his career. Makhachev has occupied the throne at 155 pounds since UFC 280 in 2022, where he emphatically got the better of former champ Charles Oliveira, first dropping “Do Bronx” and then […]

Continue Reading Umar Nurmagomedov Touts Bellator Champion As Islam Makhachev’s UFC Lightweight Successor at MMA News.

UFC bantamweight contender Umar Nurmagomedov has an idea of who could inherit the promotion’s lightweight crown from Islam Makhachev upon the conclusion of his career.

Makhachev has occupied the throne at 155 pounds since UFC 280 in 2022, where he emphatically got the better of former champ Charles Oliveira, first dropping “Do Bronx” and then finding the submission in round two.

The Russian has since successfully defended the gold three times, brushing away two challenges from then-featherweight kingpin Alexander Volkanovski in 2023 before stalling the late-career title ambitions of Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 in Newark this past June.

The reign of Makhachev is far from over, with a rematch against Arman Tsarukyan expected to serve as his next task. Beyond that, a potential shot at two-division glory up at welterweight could be on the cards depending on if frequent training partner Belal Muhammad remains champion.

But given how his friend and mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov departed the sport on top, comparisons with “The Eagle” have included talk of such a departure for Makhachev, who has already tied Khabib for most lightweight title wins and consecutive defenses.

When the reigning king does decide to relinquish his grip on the crown at 155 pounds, it would appear that his team already have plans for the division’s future — and they include the UFC poaching one of the PFL’s best…

Umar Reveals Plans For Nurmagomedov Takeover Post-Makhachev

During an interview with Hosheh MMA prior to his latest victory at the UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi this past weekend, Nurmagomedov was asked to predict the next UFC lightweight champion after Makhachev.

Before the current titleholder reached the mountaintop, the plan had long been laid out by Khabib, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, and their team for Makhachev to succeed “The Eagle.”

Now, Usman Nurmagomedov is the highly regarded lightweight seemingly lying in waiting.

“After Islam? We have plans for Usman,” Umar Nurmagomedov said. “Yes, (Usman will come to the UFC). Why not? I don’t know what’s going to be in the future, but that’s the goal.”

Usman currently rules as the Bellator 155-pound champ, now under the banner of the Professional Fighters League (PFL). The undefeated Dagestani won the belt from Patricky Pitbull in 2022 and subsequently defended it against Benson Henderson.

Most recently, Nurmagomedov had a victory over Brent Primus overturned after he tested positive for a banned substance in a prescription drug. He’s set to return from suspension to defend against Alexandr Shabliy at the Bellator Champions Series event in San Diego next month.

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Continue Reading Umar Nurmagomedov Touts Bellator Champion As Islam Makhachev’s UFC Lightweight Successor at MMA News.

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 […]

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

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.”

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

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

Ahead of his own surge to the bantamweight title at Noche UFC next month, Merab Dvalishvili claims the unbeaten,…

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.

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.

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.”

UFC Rankings Report: Belal Muhammad Jumps Sean O’Malley On Pound-For-Pound List

As always, the latest action on offer inside the Octagon has seen some climb the ladder toward contention and others fall away. And in the aftermath of UFC Fight Night: Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov, MMA News has you covered with this week’s updates to the official UFC rankings. Men’s Pound-For-Pound: A week after entering the P4P […]

Continue Reading UFC Rankings Report: Belal Muhammad Jumps Sean O’Malley On Pound-For-Pound List at MMA News.

As always, the latest action on offer inside the Octagon has seen some climb the ladder toward contention and others fall away.

And in the aftermath of UFC Fight Night: Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov, MMA News has you covered with this week’s updates to the official UFC rankings.

Men’s Pound-For-Pound: A week after entering the P4P rankings at #6, Belal Muhammad has had another boost. The welterweight champion has now moved above his bantamweight counterpart, Sean O’Malley (#6), to occupy the #5 position.

Women’s Pound-for-Pound: Bantamweight queen Raquel Pennington is expected to defend her title for the first time opposite ex-champ Julianna Peña this fall. And the pair now sit on the same step of the pound-for-pound rankings, with “Rocky” joining “The Venezuelan Vixen” to share #5.

Women’s Strawweight: Mackenzie Dern bounced back from a two-fight skid on Saturday, but she’s still fallen further at 115 pounds. The Brazilian jiu-jitsu ace has dropped one place to #8, with her compatriot Amanda Ribas moving up to #7.

Women’s Flyweight: While on the rise at strawweight, Ribas has taken a hit at 125 pounds, slipping one spot to #10 below Viviane Araújo (#9).

Women’s Bantamweight: At 135 pounds, Miesha Tate and Norma Dumont have both been boosted to #8, leaving a three-way tie for the position with Karol Rosa.

Flyweight: No changes.

Bantamweight: Umar Nurmagomedov secured the biggest win of his young career to date in Abu Dhabi, outpointing the highly ranked Cory Sandhagen across five rounds. As a result, the Dagestani has climbed a mammoth eight places to #2. “The Sandman,” meanwhile has remained in the top five after a one-spot drop to #4.

Also on the rise at 135 pounds is Deiveson Figueiredo (#5), who secured a top-five position with his comfortable victory over former title challenger Marlon Vera this past weekend.

Featherweight: At 145 pounds, Movsar Evloev is down one step to #6, no longer sharing the #5 place with Arnold Allen. Further down, Bryce Mitchell has moved up to share #12 with Diego Lopes.

Lightweight: Despite having his return announced for 170 pounds at UFC 308 later this year, former champ Rafael dos Anjos has received a boost at 155 pounds. He’s climbed to #13, swapping positions with Jalin Turner (#14).

Welterweight: No changes.

Middleweight: No changes.

Light Heavyweight: He’s had to wait a while but Roman Dolidze is finally ranked in two weight classes following his triumph over Anthony Smith at UFC 303. The Georgian has arrived at 205 pounds in the #15 position, three spots below “Lionheart.”

Elsewhere in the division, Azamat Murzakanov is knocking on the door of the top 10 after climbing three spots to #11 courtesy of his knockout win over Alonzo Menifield on August 3.

Heavyweight: No changes.

You can view the full updated UFC rankings here.

Continue Reading UFC Rankings Report: Belal Muhammad Jumps Sean O’Malley On Pound-For-Pound List at MMA News.