Umar Nurmagomedov misplaced one in every of his major weapons after struggling a damaged hand within the opening spherical in his title battle towards Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 311 on Saturday.
Whereas he’s not precisely certain when it occurred, Nurmagomedov is aware of his skill to throw punches together with his left hand was negated virtually instantly and that clearly affected him all through the battle. In the end, he misplaced a unanimous resolution following a five-round battle.
Following the battle, Nurmagomedov eliminated his glove to indicate the injury accomplished in a photograph supplied to MMA Combating by his workforce at Dominance MMA.
Nurmagomedov requires additional testing together with x-rays to higher perceive the total injury accomplished to his hand, however he’s clearly coping with important swelling within the instant aftermath from his battle.
So far as his efficiency goes, Nurmagomedov nonetheless believes he ought to be leaving UFC 311 with the bantamweight title round his waist, though he plans to look at the battle again to completely grasp all the things that unfolded.
“I feel the primary spherical I received, the opposite [rounds] was shut,” Nurmagomedov advised UFC colour commentator Joe Rogan instantly after the battle ended. “I don’t assume I lose this battle however Alhamdulillah, any place, Alhamdulillah. After the primary spherical, I can’t punch as a result of I feel I broke my hand. The sport goes the opposite manner.
“Any place, Alhamdulillah, good or dangerous, I’ll say that, Alhamdulillah, thanks God. I want to look at this video of my battle. I don’t assume I lose this battle. I’m not arguing with the judges, I have to rewatch. I have to see all rounds. Nothing [surprised me], I knew he was a troublesome man. I broke my hand within the first spherical.”
Even in defeat, Nurmagomedov nonetheless made an admirable exhibiting in his first try at turning into UFC champion. He began the battle sturdy with a dynamic hanging show via the primary two rounds whereas stuffing any makes an attempt from Dvalishvili to get him to the bottom.
As time handed, Dvalishvili’s tempo and strain began carrying on Nurmagomedov and by the fourth spherical, the reigning UFC bantamweight champion was surging whereas constructing his lead on the scorecards.
Ultimately, the judges gave Dvalishvili the battle with the scores studying 48-47, 48-47 and 49-46 as he retained the belt in his first title protection.
The loss would possibly sting for now, however it’s robust to think about Nurmagomedov received’t ultimately earn his manner again to a different title shot given his efficiency on Saturday and the Battle of the Evening award he shares with Dvalishvili after UFC 311.
