Nurmagomedov Confirms Dvalishvili Rematch Personal

Umar Nurmagomedov wants Merab Dvalishvili again, and the stakes have shifted beyond a title shot.

The undefeated Russian bantamweight dropped his first pro bout to Dvalishvili by unanimous decision in a UFC title fight last January. Speaking to MMA Junkie ahead of his UFC Shanghai clash with Yadong Song on August 29, Nurmagomedov said he will pursue the rematch no matter the outcome of Dvalishvili's UFC 333 title defence against Petr Yan. "First of all, of course I have to win this fight," he said. "Then I will fight with Merab, if he will win or if he will lose, I think we're going to fight."

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Rivalry Escalates After Georgia Altercation

The feud between the two has intensified since their first meeting. Dvalishvili questioned whether Nurmagomedov deserved his initial title opportunity and accused the promotion of favouritism toward the cousin of Khabib Nurmagomedov. Tensions boiled over at a Real American Freestyle event in Georgia where Dvalishvili clashed with Nurmagomedov's friend Ahmed Gadzhimagomedov.

Asked if the rivalry had turned personal, Nurmagomedov was direct. "I think yes. Already yes. Now it's personal. Now it's personal not just for me. It's personal for all of Dagestan."

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Nurmagomedov faces Song on Saturday in Shanghai before any rematch materialises. Dvalishvili defends his belt against Yan at UFC 333 later this year.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Umar Nurmagomedov wants Merab Dvalishvili next: 'Now it's personal'