The bantamweight title might be up for grabs within the UFC 311 co-main occasion on Jan. 18 in Inglewood, Calif. when champion Merab Dvalishvili faces undefeated contender Umar Nurmagomedov. Dvalishvili acknowledges that Nurmagomedov is a giant problem however does not suppose Russian has earned the title shot.
“Umar is an effective fighter. It is a huge problem, however he do not earn it like the remainder of us,” Dvalishvili mentioned on the UFC YouTube channel. “Everyone knows we labored exhausting to get right here. I do not get something simple, however Umar somebody will get simple. He simply complains on a regular basis, no person needs to struggle him. However there are such a lot of good fighters.”
“He fought solely [Corey] Sandhagen, no wrestling. I assume he is utilizing that is excuse, he beat the No. 2 man. Now, he is right here,” Dvalishvili continued. “He simply do not earn it like how actual UFC fighters ought to earn it. He is simply cocky.”
Merab Dvalishvili hopes to complete Umar Nurmagomedov
Dvalishvili will take a win over Nurmagomedov nevertheless it comes, however motivated by Nurmagomedov’s ‘disrespect,’ he’d like to complete the challenger.
“The struggle might be actually powerful. It is a huge, huge problem for me as a result of it is a new, new face and he is an excellent fighter,” Dvalishvili mentioned. “He has good kicking, good placing, good wrestling and it is a new, new problem.”
“I wish to give individuals what they need and I wish to give the UFC what the UFC needs. And I am bored with listening to Umar’s disrespect,” Dvalishvili continued.
“It may be a tricky struggle, good struggle. After all I will be on the lookout for a end. To win towards a high opponent and alter his zero to at least one loss, that might be good,” he mentioned. “I am not combating any individual like a straightforward opponent. It may be Umar Nurmagomedov and a win towards him, I am going to take it. It does not matter.”
