The tension was palpable at the UFC 311 on-sale press conference on Friday, as UFC Bantamweight Champion Merab Dvalishvili and challenger Umar Nurmagomedov exchanged fiery words ahead of their upcoming title clash.
Dvalishvili, who captured the 135-pound title with a unanimous decision victory over Sean O’Malley at UFC 306, is set to defend his belt against Nurmagomedov, who earned the shot with a dominant win over Cory Sandhagen at UFC Abu Dhabi. However, the Georgian has made it clear that he doesn’t believe his opponent truly deserves the opportunity.
You’re a good fighter, but not a good man,” Dvalishvili said, calling out Nurmagomedov for comments he made online. “You lost respect as a man for me. Real men don’t talk trash online. Be a man first. You’re a piece of sh*t.
Nurmagomedov, unfazed by the champion’s remarks, pushed back, claiming he has only spoken the truth and accusing Dvalishvili of avoiding the fight.
I've only stated facts," Nurmagomedov countered, standing his ground during the heated exchange.
The growing animosity between the two fighters sets the stage for what promises to be an electrifying title bout at UFC 311.