Umar Nurmagomedov Pushes for January Title Bout Against Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 311

The bantamweight division is heating up as undefeated contender Umar Nurmagomedov (18-0) has publicly called out newly crowned champion Merab Dvalishvili (17-4) for a title fight in January. Nurmagomedov, cousin of former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, took to social media to challenge Dvalishvili, suggesting UFC 311 in Los Angeles as the perfect stage for their potential clash.

Hey Merab you know that Ramadan is in March and knowing this you insist on March, in February the tournament will be held in Australia and they won’t put us there.
There is a tournament in Los Angeles in January – let’s fight there, and there is enough time to prepare.
Stop…

— Umar Nurmagomedov (@UNmgdv) October 2, 2024

Nurmagomedov’s callout comes on the heels of Dvalishvili’s impressive victory over Sean O’Malley at UFC 306, where the Georgian fighter claimed the bantamweight title in a dominant performance. The undefeated Dagestani fighter believes he has earned his shot at the gold, having recently defeated former title challenger Cory Sandhagen in a unanimous decision victory.

However, Dvalishvili seems to have other plans. The newly minted champion has expressed interest in facing former flyweight titleholder Deiveson Figueiredo for his first title defense. Dvalishvili argues that Figueiredo, currently ranked #5 in the bantamweight division, presents a more exciting challenge due to his knockout power and submission skills.

This difference in opinion has sparked a debate within the MMA community about who truly deserves the next title shot. Nurmagomedov and his team argue that his undefeated record and recent victory over a top contender make him the clear choice. On the other hand, Dvalishvili’s preference for Figueiredo stems from the Brazilian’s championship pedigree and the potential for a more fan-friendly matchup.

The UFC has yet to officially announce its plans for the bantamweight title picture, leaving room for speculation and negotiation. Nurmagomedov’s push for a January date adds another layer of intrigue to the situation, as it would allow for a relatively quick turnaround for Dvalishvili, who claimed the title in September. UFC 311, rumored to take place in Los Angeles, could serve as an ideal platform for this potential title fight. The event’s location and timing align with Nurmagomedov’s proposal, potentially setting the stage for a thrilling start to the UFC’s 2025 calendar.

As we await official word from the UFC, one thing is certain: the bantamweight title picture is far from settled. Whether it’s Nurmagomedov, Figueiredo, or another contender who gets the next shot, the division’s future looks bright, promising high-stakes battles and potential classics in the coming year.