Many UFC fans expected Umar Nurmagomedov to be next in line for the UFC bantamweight title shot against Merab Dvalishvili. Nurmagomedov wanted to fight for the title this year but Dvalishvili was reluctant to wait until March 2025 to defend his title against the Dagestani contender. The problem with that is Nurmagomedov observes Ramadan during March and wouldn’t be available.
Aljamain Sterling backs Merab Dvalishvili
Umar Nurmagomedov called out Dvalishvili for not accepting a fight with him and “ducking” him while being willing to defend his title against Sean O’Malley. Aljamain Sterling, who is very close friends with Dvalishvili, was quick to defend him for not accepting a fight with Nurmagomedov.