Merab Dvalishvili has once again spoken about his personal dislike for Umar Nurmagomedov. Despite stating that Armenia, Georgia, Chechnya, and Dagestan are hardworking regions where people generally get along, Dvalishvili emphasized that his rivalry with Nurmagomedov represents healthy competition. The Georgian bantamweight champion made it clear this is a personal matter between the two fighters. Fans are calling for a rematch between the two, suggesting significant public interest in the rivalry. The comments add fuel to what appears to be an ongoing feud in the bantamweight division.
Merab Dvalishvili has renewed his personal feud with Umar Nurmagomedov, making clear that his animosity toward the Russian bantamweight contender runs deeper than professional rivalry.
Dvalishvili, known as "The Machine," holds the UFC bantamweight title and carries a 21-5 record. The 35-year-old Georgian trains out of the Serra-Longo Fight Team and currently sits first in the divisional rankings and second in the pound-for-pound standings. He is one of the sport's most relentless wrestlers, averaging 6.4 takedowns per 15 minutes, and backs that up with a striking output of 4.33 significant strikes per minute.
Nurmagomedov, ranked second in the bantamweight division, brings a 20-1 record into any future matchup. The 30-year-old Russian fights out of Eagles MMA and has built a reputation as a well-rounded threat, averaging 4.03 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside a striking accuracy of 56 percent. He lands 3.86 significant strikes per minute, making him dangerous at every range.
Dvalishvili acknowledged that people from Armenia, Georgia, Chechnya, and Dagestan typically share mutual respect as hardworking communities. He drew a clear line, however, stating that whatever exists between him and Nurmagomedov is something personal, framing it as healthy competition while leaving no ambiguity about the depth of his feelings toward the Russian fighter.
Fans have been vocal about wanting to see the two meet again, and the public appetite for a rematch appears considerable.
Why it matters
- Dvalishvili holds the belt; Nurmagomedov sits directly below him at number two, making a title fight the logical next step
- The personal dimension raises the stakes beyond a standard championship bout
- Both fighters are high-volume grapplers, setting up a compelling stylistic collision at 135 pounds
- Fan demand for a rematch adds commercial pressure on the UFC to book the fight
