The UFC bantamweight division is buzzing with tension! On one side, you have the recently crowned champion, Merab Dvalishvili. On the other, a hungry contender ranked no.2 in the division, Umar Nurmagomedov, who’s itching to prove his mettle. The two have already been exchanging verbal jabs but the question still remains, when will the pair settle their feud inside the Octagon?

In a twist that few saw coming, Nurmagomedov is now set to face Song Yadong in the main event at UFC on ESPN 63 on December 14. To add more fuel to the already roaring blaze between the pair, Merab Dvalishvili has now come out with a bold proclamation of a timeline for Nurmagomedov’s title shot!

Merab Dvalishvili darts Umar Nurmagomedov’s hopes as he proclaims he’s taking time off 

When Song Yadong vs. Umar Nurmagomedov was announced, it left many in the MMA sphere scratching their heads. Why not fight Dvalishvili next? After all, ‘Young Eagle’ is coming off a huge win against Cory Sandhagen, a victory that many thought earned him a shot at the title. Instead, he’s stepping into the cage with Yadong, one of the most dangerous strikers in the division.

To shed more light on the situation, according to a statement shared by Red Corner MMA on X, Merab Dvalishvili stated, “Umar wanted to fight in December. He kept talking trash on the internet. Bro, I just won the title. Let’s see who will be ready for March. Usually, every champion takes six months [off]. I need six months and maybe after I will keep it more short.”

So does this mean that he is waiting for the dust to settle between Nurmagomedov and Yadong? Or is he biding his time, looking for a different contender? According to the Dagestani bantamweight, there might be a different tactic being used by ‘The Machine’.

In a recent interview with Kevin Iole, Nurmagomedov stated, “He’s playing games. They know I won’t fight during Ramadan, and they say they’re going to fight in March.” He further indicated that according to him, the champion is intentionally dragging his feet, hoping to avoid a fight during Ramadan, a sacred month of fasting for Muslims.

But what about Dvalishvili’s side of the story? As stated above, the Georgian is insistent that he’s simply following a normal recovery timeline after a grueling fight. However, the saga has gotten even more complicated as the former bantamweight champion has now thrown his name into the mix seeking redemption!

‘Suga’ wants revenge even if it means taking away the title shot from Nurmagomedov  

Sean O’Malley is not one to back down. After losing his bantamweight title to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306, ‘Suga’s mind is already set on one thing: revenge. Speaking on a recent episode of ‘The Timbo Sugar Show’, the former champion stated, “I’m fighting Merab.  Merab versus Suga 2.  It’s happening.  I’m manifesting it.  I don’t give a f— about anything else.”

He further stated that he doesn’t care about the UFC’s plans for Dvalishvili or even what’s going on between the champion and top contender Umar Nurmagomedov. According to O’Malley, “I’m here for it.  Don’t fight him.  Wait for me.  I’ll be ready in March.  Let’s get it.  Let’s run it back…”

Before any rematch can happen, O’Malley has some healing to do. Following his loss, the former bantamweight champ underwent hip surgery on October 3 to repair a torn labrum. It’s no small setback, but O’Malley has revealed that he expects to be back in action by early 2025.

With Merab Dvalishvili holding the crown, Umar Nurmagomedov gunning for his shot, and Sean O’Malley pushing for a rematch, the drama is only getting thicker. Fans are left wondering: will Dvalishvili and Nurmagomedov finally settle their war of words in the Octagon, or will ‘Suga’ swoop in before that to reclaim his throne? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!