The entire world of mixed martial arts lies in wait to witness Merab Dvalishvili fight for the bantamweight title against Sean O’Malley at UFC Noche. Being the headliner fight indeed puts some pressure on the fighters. But the fighting community has expressed interest in knowing who will be the next challenger to the bantamweight belt. 

The former undefeated lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov, pushed his brother forward, claiming that Umar Nurmagomedov was ready for a title shot. However, ‘The Machine’ had a different name in his mind.

Merab Dvalishvili contradicts Khabib Nurmagomedov

Khabib Nurmagomedov previously put a lot of faith in his brother getting a title shot. Going on an undefeated spree with 18 fights under his belt, Umar Nurmagomedov has proven his strength. Earlier in May 2024, ‘The Eagle’ claimed that the UFC had plans for his brother’s title shot once he defeated Cory Sandhagen. And the 28-year-old Russian star succeeded in doing so. But ‘The Machine’ doesn’t think the former lightweight champion’s brother deserves a title shot anytime soon.

In an interview with MMA Junkie, Dvalishvili was asked about his thoughts if Umar Nurmagomedov should be the one to get a title shot next, in case he defeated ‘Suga’. But it was Deiveson Figueiredo who replaced the Russian prospect. He said, “Of course, I believe myself and I’m going to win this fight, but even whoever wins this fight, I think next title fight deserved is Deiveson Figueiredo deserved to the fight for the belt.”

‘Figgy’ was the one who defeated fighters like Rob Font and Marlon Vera. Needless to say, securing a win against a former champion and a challenger was a feat in itself. On the other hand, Nurmagomedov had a win against one fighter on the top 15 list. He continued, “Figueiredo deserved more… Umar don’t deserve fight for the belt, because we all know he was fighting nobody and he got to fight number 2, and now like, why he deserved? Figueiredo deserved more. That’s it!”

But did you know Nurmagomedov once predicted that Dvalishvili would become a champion? Keep reading to find out what the Russian fighter had to say.

Umar Nurmagomedov calls ‘The Machine’ out with a prediction

Back at UFC 298, Dvalishvili faced the formidable Henry Cejudo. Despite being one of the most celebrated grapplers in the UFC, ‘Triple C’ wasn’t able to secure a win against Dvalishvili. The Georgian mixed martial artist dominated the Octagon against Cejudo in the second and third rounds. And when the decision went to the judges, they tilted their scorecards in favor of Dvalishvili.

But the shocker came when Nurmagomedov took to X to congratulate ‘The Machine’. He wrote, “@MerabDvalishvil congratulations. You deserve title shot. And I think you will become champion. While Papakha vs Black Papakha at the end of the year.”

The Russian undefeated phenom expressed his desire to fight Dvalishvili once he defeated O’Malley and became the bantamweight champion. But now, Dvalishvili doesn’t deem the undefeated star worthy enough of a title shot. Nevertheless, the story will unfold once the fight between Dvalishvili and O’Malley concludes at UFC 306.

Who do you think deserves a title shot? Is it Figueiredo, or Nurmagomedov? Let us know what you think in the comments down below.