
UFC 311 is around the corner, and all eyes are on the co-main event showdown between undefeated Russian phenom Umar Nurmagomedov and reigning bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili. With a spotless record and an unrelenting desire to dominate, Nurmagomedov has made it clear: he’s ready to take the champ into deep waters, where only the strongest survive.
From Dominance to Destiny
It’s been a meteoric rise for Nurmagomedov. In just three years and six electrifying fights, he’s gone from a promising prospect to a legitimate title contender. His journey began with a jaw-dropping second-round submission victory over Sergey Morozov in 2021, setting the stage for a series of triumphs over high-caliber opponents like Brian Kelleher, Nate Maness, Raoni Barcelos, and Bekzat Almakhan. But it was his victory against Cory Sandhagen—a grueling battle that pushed him to his limits—that cemented his claim to the bantamweight throne.
When a fractured arm nearly sidelined his title shot, Nurmagomedov’s determination only grew stronger. Defying medical advice and his inner circle, he declared himself fight-ready in record time. “I told my manager, Ali (Abdelaziz), ‘Take this fight.’ They thought I was crazy, but I knew I was ready,” he said. His unwavering resolve has brought him to this pivotal moment.
A Battle of Styles and Wills
Despite the tension and social media skirmishes, Nurmagomedov insists there’s no bad blood between him and Dvalishvili. “I don’t think he’s a bad person,” he stated. But he hasn’t shied away from calling out the champ’s reluctance to face him. “Joe Rogan asked him about fighting me, and he dodged the question. It’s clear he wanted easier fights for his first title defense—guys like O’Malley or Yan. With me, it’s different. He knows it’ll be a war.”
Nurmagomedov’s confidence is unshakable, rooted in his multifaceted skillset. “With me, he’ll have to go into deep waters. I’m not an easy opponent. He won’t control me with takedowns, and my striking will give him problems. If he makes one mistake, I’ll finish him. Be careful, Merab.”
Respect for the Challenge, Confidence in Victory
While Nurmagomedov acknowledges the unpredictability of MMA, he remains convinced that he has the tools to dismantle Dvalishvili. “He’s a good fighter, but I don’t see how he can beat me. He might get one takedown, but he won’t keep me there. I can wrestle, too. And if he gives me his back, I’ll choke him out.”
Nurmagomedov even credited Sandhagen as his toughest challenge to date, hinting that Dvalishvili might not pose the same threat. “The hardest fight of my life was against Cory. This will be different.”
Don’t Miss UFC 311: A Night of Champions
The stakes couldn’t be higher as Nurmagomedov looks to fulfill his destiny and Dvalishvili aims to cement his legacy. With both fighters bringing unparalleled skills and determination to the Octagon, this clash promises fireworks.
Catch all the action live at UFC 311: Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan 2, streaming from the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, on January 18, 2025. Prelims kick off at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, with the main card live on PPV at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.