Merab Dvalishvili isn’t pulling any punches when it comes to Umar Nurmagomedov, and he’s made his intentions crystal clear: he wants to fight the Dagestani, and he’s not impressed by the hype surrounding him. In a bold statement, Dvalishvili doubled down on his desire to face Khabib’s cousin, showing zero fear of the Nurmagomedov legacy that looms large over the UFC.

Speaking with confidence, ‘The Machine’ made it clear that he doesn’t believe Nurmagomedov deserves a shot at UFC gold just yet, despite all the talk. “He’s only fought Cory Sandhagen,” Dvalishvili stated, dismissing the idea that Nurmagomedov’s resume is worthy of title contention. While most fighters would be wary of going toe-to-toe with a fighter who trains under the watchful eye of Khabib, Dvalishvili remains completely unfazed, brushing off the Dagestani’s reputation with ease.

Now the Bantamweight contender spoke further about his stance on Pound 4 Pound. When the host declared that Umar was the boogeyman and he had heard about ‘The Machine’s’ wish to fight the former.

Dvalishvili said, “Okay, yeah, I am telling the truth for me. He’s not the boogeyman. I will fight him no problem if UFC offers me a course I will fight him, no problem. I even say yes, after I beat Peter Yan. I said to him because I was injured and the doctor did not allow me to fight. I had surgery after this, and I even saw Kamaru Usman I even asked something about my hand injury. Because I was injured. Yeah, I will fight Umar. No problem. I’m here to fight. You know.”

So he might fight him if the decision is made and if he wins at UFC 306, but looks like his first choice would not be Khabib’s cousin. So who is his first choice?

Merab Dvalishvili chose his next fighter

There are many fighters going up and down in the bandtamweight ranks at UFC. One of the bandtamweight’s recent divisions recent additions has been former flyweight champion, Deiveson Figueiredo.

Dvakishvili is ready to fight the 125 lbs king and believes that beating another former champ would be amazing for his name at UFC.“I would love to fight Figueiredo. He’s a former champion, he’s dangerous,” Merab Dvalishvili stated, on ‘MightyCast’ by Demetrious Johnson.

However, ‘The Machine’s’ opponent has apparently been chosen and it is Khabib’s cousin. In a recent tweet, Umar’s manager Ali Abdelaziz stated, “Umar Nurmagomedov will be cage side at the Sphere, he will fight the winner of the main event.”  Even ‘The Eagle’ was eager for a fight between Umar and Dvalishvili since the latter is a Georgian.

Yet, the Georgian  wants to fight Deiveson Figueiredo since he beat Rob Font. So who do you expect him to fight?