UFC champion rejects fight with Khabib's cousin and aims for rematch with O'Malley

Merab Dvalishvili in an interview in the octagon of UFC 306. Photo: Reproduction/UFC/YouTube

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Right after Merab Dvalishvili dominate Sean O' Malley and win by unanimous decision in the UFC 306, it was clear to everyone who would be the new challenger for the bantamweight belt (up to 61,2 kg): Umar Nurmagomedov. The Russian even appeared in the official broadcast footage, being announced by Joe Rogan as the next in line. However, that's not what happened, at least for now.

Umar Nurmagomedov is 2nd in the ranking and comes from a victory over Cory Sandhagen. Photo: Reproduction/UFC Europe

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It was recently announced that the cousin of Khabib Nurmagomedov will have another fight without the title at stake, against the Chinese song yadong, ranked eighth in the category, while the new champion still does not have an opponent for his first belt defense.

Given the situation, the Georgian was asked about the Russian during a 'Q&A' ​​with fans, as part of the promotional week for UFC 308.

“Where is this guy? He’s going to fight another fight. He’s scared. He’s going to fight someone else. He wants to get knocked out by someone else and then make an excuse. Dana White and Hunter (Campbell) decide who I fight next. I don’t make decisions,” the fighter said.

Merab Dvalishvili says Sean O'Malley “deserves” the rematch over Umar Nurmagomedov

“He is fighting someone else. Where is he? …Umar doesn't deserve to fight me,” pic.twitter.com/7t8lkyXnqm

— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) October 25, 2024

Rematch with O'Malley

However, even though he assured that he would face Nurmagomedov, Merab said that a rematch with Sean O'Malley is a priority. After being defeated at UFC on the Sphere, the former champion underwent surgery, and its return is only expected in the second half of 2025.

“If Dana White tells me I have to fight Umar, I’ll fight Umar, okay? But you know what? Umar doesn’t deserve to fight me. Sean O'Malley deserves to fight me and I will have a rematch with him. He deserves it, and then Umar has to prove himself. Then I will fight him,” he concluded.

Merab Dvalishvili in victory over Sean O'Malley (Photo: Instagram/UFC)