Merab Dvalishvili seemingly had a change of heart about his first title defense! At UFC 306, Dvalishvili stunned the world by dominating Sean O’Malley for 5 rounds of their bantamweight title showdown. Walking away with the unanimous decision win the newly crowned champion’s next move has caused a lot of speculation in the MMA world. The question? Who should be the next in line for a shot at the 135 lbs. belt?

Holding the no.2 spot in the rankings is Umar Nurmagomedov, a member of ‘Team Khabib’ and currently undefeated in the UFC. However, in an interview with MMA Junkie ahead of UFC 306, ‘The Machine’ had proclaimed, “Umar, he only beat Cory Sandhagen from top 15, only one guy he beat from top 15. And why he deserve fight for the belt?”. But it appears that the Georgian has now changed his tune!

Merab Dvalishvili ready to accept Team Khabib and Umar Nurmagomedov’s challenge 

After pulling off the massive upset against Sean O’Malley, at the UFC 306 post-fight press conference, Merab Dvalishvili shared, “I think Figueredo would be my fifth champion, he is more dangerous, knockout power, good Jiu-Jitsu makes people (go to) sleep.” The former flyweight champion, Deiveson Figueiredo appeared to be who Dvalishvili was more interested in rather than taking on Umar Nurmagomedov as he further explained that the Dagestani fighter doesn’t have the ‘resume’ to deserve a title shot.

Nurmagomedov’s response? When the UFC cameras turned to him after the UFC 306 main event, he proclaimed, “I think I’m next, I hope they will not avoid and run.” Well, it looks like ‘Team Khabib’ has now got what they were looking for!

In a recent post on X, Dvalishvili stated, “Guys- I hear all of you! I am a company man. Whoever the UFC puts in front of me, I will fight as I always do, even if I don’t think they deserve the next shot. Let’s Go”. Now it remains to be seen when the “White Papakha vs Black Papakha” matchup as Umar Nurmagomedov had shared on X will take place.

But what makes this matchup so intriguing? UFC legend Demetrious Johnson believes Dvalishvili holds a secret weapon that could tip the scales in his favor.

Flyweight legend believes ‘The Machine’ may run through Nurmagomedov

The UFC bantamweight division title scene is heating up with a slew of contenders waiting in the wings. A potential clash between the new champion Merab Dvalishvili and rising star Umar Nurmagomedov could be on the horizon. Umar, cousin of UFC lightweight legend Khabib Nurmagomedov, is 18-0 in his MMA career and has been making waves with his impressive skill set. However, according to ‘Mighty Mouse’, the Georgian may have an edge that Nurmagomedov may not see coming.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, the former UFC flyweight champion shared that, “(Nurmagomedov) has the high kicks, he’s very long, he’s very big, and he also has the wrestling. But he does not have the work ethic like this man (Dvalishvili). Not saying he doesn’t have the work ethic, he doesn’t have just that, ‘I’m coming to smash you, I’m coming to smother you,’ like Khabib.”

While Nurmagomedov might be more methodical in his approach, Johnson believes Dvalishvili has that unstoppable drive that sets him apart from the competition. But will that drive be enough to make a difference in the Octagon? Could the undefeated fighter’s measured approach crumble under Dvalishvili’s relentless pace? Let us know who you favor in this matchup between Merab Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov in the comments below!