Merab Dvalishvili has become a force to be reckoned with in the UFC, displaying relentless energy and unmatched cardio in his fights. Nicknamed ‘The Machine’, Dvalishvili’s grinding pace and elite wrestling have overwhelmed even the toughest opponents. He once again maintained his impressive run at UFC 311 where he took on Umar Nurmagomedov. However, many experts felt that the champion might find it tough against the Dagestani fighter.

Dvalishvili not only won the fight but impressed one and all with his performance. Legendary boxing trainer Teddy Atlas also enjoyed his performance and in a recent interview shared his honest opinion on the champion. Let us take a look at what he had to say about the fight.

Teddy Atlas feels Umar Nurmagomedov rushed himself for a title fight

Merab Dvalishvili once again lived up to his nickname, ‘The Machine’, with a dominating performance at UFC 311. Facing a highly skilled and dangerous opponent, in ‘Young Eagle’ Dvalishvili showcased his signature relentless pace, unmatched cardio, and incredible wrestling ability. From the opening bell, it was clear that Merab came prepared to make a statement, and he delivered in an emphatic fashion. Legendary boxing trainer Teddy Atlas seemed highly impressed by his performance and credited him for his showing against a dangerous prospect like Umar Nurmagomedov.

While speaking on The Fight with Teddy Atlas podcast, he said, “He is a machine. It’s incredible. It did become a battle of attrition it did. And when I say attrition, not just physical attrition – mental attrition. Where he instilled his physicality with pressure relentless pressure. He wore down this undefeated protege of Khabib. Tremendous fighter is Umar too, but he wore him down. And I think he wore him down as much mentally, as he did physically. But you could also say that with everything with the 18-0 record going in that maybe he needed one more fight of a sort of a seasoning fight.”

With this victory, Dvalishvili has sent a clear message to the rest of the division. His ability to dominate elite fighters makes him a legitimate threat to any opponent, including the other challengers in the division.

UFC 311 was yet another reminder of why Merab Dvalishvili is one of the most exciting and dangerous fighters in the sport. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see what’s next for “The Machine” as he cements his legacy in the UFC. Another fighter who was highly impressed by the champion was his former opponent Henry Cejudo. Let us take a look at what he had to say about his performance.

Henry Cejudo feels Merab Dvalishvili is the best in the bantamweight division

Following the event, Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo shared their thoughts on the fight during their podcast. Having faced Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 298, Cejudo knows firsthand the Georgian fighter’s impressive skill set. Dvalishvili not only defeated Cejudo in their bout but also showcased exceptional grappling ability. Before UFC 311, Cejudo, known as ‘Triple C,’ had backed ‘Young Eagle’ to win the fight. However, after witnessing Dvalishvili’s dominant performance, Cejudo changed his stance, openly acknowledging that Dvalishvili is the best fighter in the bantamweight division.

While speaking to Kamaru Usman on the Pound 4 Pound podcast, he said, “You gotta give him his flowers Kamaru. And I can personally say, ‘We were wrong I was wrong’. Because we both had Umar winning. And I was so decisive on Umar beating Merab that, like, Merab just got another level of respect from me. For what he was able to do man. He beat a young 29-year-old ‘Young Eagle’, who is undefeated.”.

‘Triple C’ further added without any hesitation, “Merab is the bantamweight GOAT, man, at least in my eyes.” After UFC 311, Merab Dvalishvili demonstrated once again that hard work and dedication can lead to incredible success. He has defeated some of the best fighters in the world on his journey to the top and to claim the championship belt.

But is Merab truly the best fighter in the bantamweight division? Or does he still have something to prove in his illustrious MMA career? Share your thoughts in the comments below!