Nurmagomedov On Dvalishvili's Latest Comments

Umar Nurmagomedov has grown weary of Merab Dvalishvili airing grievances through media appearances and wants the former bantamweight champion to settle their issues face to face.

The Dagestani contender told MMA Fighting this week that Dvalishvili should change his moniker from 'The Machine' to 'Disrespect' because he constantly complains about being slighted. Nurmagomedov fights Song Yadong in Saturday's UFC Shanghai main event while Dvalishvili prepares to challenge Petr Yan for the title at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi this October.

Nurmagomedov Fires Back After Manager Called 'Sneaky'

The friction intensified after Dvalishvili told The Ariel Helwani Show that Nurmagomedov is the only Dagestan fighter he dislikes and called Rizvan Magomedov, Nurmagomedov's manager, sneaky. The remarks followed an incident at July's RAF Georgia event where Dvalishvili confronted a Nurmagomedov supporter. Nurmagomedov disputed Dvalishvili's version of events and said video footage shows nobody touched the Georgian during the exchange.

"If he has a problem with me, if I do disrespect, OK. You're man. You're fighter," Nurmagomedov said, per MMA Fighting. "Come to me if I do disrespect. Nobody's going to hold you. You can find my number. We can find space. Text me. His next fight is in Abu Dhabi. We can go visit. Just text me." Nurmagomedov added that Dvalishvili should stop using cameras and social media to air complaints.

Dvalishvili defeated Nurmagomedov by decision at UFC 311 in January 2025 to retain the bantamweight title. The Machine defended twice more against Sean O'Malley and Cory Sandhagen before losing the belt to Yan at UFC 323 last December. Nurmagomedov has rebounded with decision wins over Mario Bautista and former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo.

Nurmagomedov acknowledged Dvalishvili's skill but questioned what disrespect the former champ is referencing. He said he has never cursed at Dvalishvili or used offensive language. Wins for both men in their upcoming bouts would set up a rematch carrying significantly more heat than their first meeting.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — Umar Nurmagomedov has new nickname for Merab Dvalishvili after latest comments: ‘All the time crying’