What’s it like to be the champion in the biggest mixed martial arts promotion in the world? UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili knows that feeling firsthand. His heated rivalry with Team Khabib, especially with rising bantamweight Umar Nurmagomedov, has been a major talking point.

As 2024 winds down and 2025 looms, the bantamweight division is building toward its next big clash at UFC 311, now just weeks away. ‘The Machine’ initially had no plans of giving Nurmagomedov the title shot and felt he didn’t do enough. However, former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman feels the champion needs to battle it out with the Dagestani to prove his worth.

Kamaru Usman weighs in on the UFC 311 co-main event

Bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili isn’t pleased with how he was been treated by Umar Nurmagomedov. The rivalry has taken a new turn after ‘The Machine’ was allegedly denied entry at the UFC Performance Institute, with the 135lbs king pointing fingers at the challenger once again. Dvalishvili claims he was denied entry to the facility because ‘Young Eagle’ was training there at the time. Dvalishvili expressed frustration, stating that while security was ordered to keep them separated, how he was handled felt disrespectful and unnecessary.

However, all these things will be put to an end when they collide inside the Octagon at UFC 311. But former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman feels the champion might just be taking things a bit too far. Dvalishvili is unbeaten in his last 11 eleven fights and has earned his way to the title. But Usman feels the 18-0 fighter at this stage is the perfect opponent for the Georgian to help him make a name in his career. In a recent appearance on the YouTube channel ‘Simple MMA’, he shared his honest opinion on the whole.

Usman said, “I think Merab is taking this a little too personal. You need Umar. You want to become the household name you want to ascend you want to elevate to the next box office star. Merab has done a fantastic job with his social and the little clips and posts and all of that. But you want to be that killer that household name where people see you and they say that’s Merab. That’s the champion. You need the appropriate dance partner. And right now that appropriate dance partner is Umar Nurmagomedov.” 

In a bold move, ‘Young Eagle’ has sent a clear warning to the bantamweight champion, adding even more fuel to the fire ahead of their anticipated showdown. The rivalry is heating up, and the fight is already shaping up to be intense before they even step into the Octagon. However, former UFC dual-champion Daniel Cormier feels things will not be easy against ‘The Machine’.

Daniel Cormier picks his favorite for the UFC 311 fight between Dvalishvili and Nurmagomedov

Next month will be pivotal for Team Khabib, as two of their brightest stars prepare to collide in a high-stakes fight. Umar Nurmagomedov has a golden opportunity to capture the bantamweight title – but first, he must get past reigning champion Merab Dvalishvili. The tension between these two Caucasian fighters has never been higher, and their heated confrontation at the UFC 311 pre-fight press conference only added to the animosity. In a bold and intense move, Umar has issued a stern warning to ‘The Machine,’ setting the stage for a fiery clash.

While the Dagestani fighter is unbeaten in his career, Dvalishvili can hand him the first loss feels ‘DC’. The former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier was among the panel with other pundits who were discussing the co-main event. ‘DC’ had no problem in stating that ‘The Machine’ has some advantages. He said, “Merab Dvalishvili is an absolute monster. His name is ‘The Machine’ and he is a machine. And I tell you this much he is tough for anyone. Because of his pace, his pressure, his cardio, and his ability to spam takedowns, he just likes to spam takedowns.”

With both fighters bringing strong wrestling pedigrees, this bout could turn into a five-round grappling showdown for the fans. Who do you see coming out on top? Will Dvalishvili hold his ground, defend his title, and show why he’s known as ‘The Machine’? Or will ‘Young Eagle’ rise to the occasion and secure another championship for Team Khabib?