Umar
Nurmagomedov is targeting a rematch with Merab
Dvalishvili.
Nurmagomedov suffered the first loss of his professional career
when Dvalishvili defeated him by unanimous decision in January last
year in their
Ultimate Fighting Championship title bout. The Russian is eager
to run it back with “The Machine” and wants to fight him next,
regardless of the outcome of the latter’s
UFC 333 title fight against Petr Yan.
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Umar Nurmagomedov wants revenge against Merab Dvalishvili after
facing Yadong Song at UFC Shanghai
The tension between Nurmagomedov and Dvalishvili has only grown
since their first meeting. The former is set to face Yadong Song
at
UFC Shanghai on Aug. 29, and while he’s focused on his upcoming
bout, the Dagestani wants revenge for his loss to the former
champ.
“First of all, of course I have to win this fight,” Nurmagomedov
told MMA Junkie. “Then I will fight with Merab, if he will win or
if he will lose, I think we’re going to fight.”
Dvalishvili notably questioned whether Nurmagomedov had earned a
title shot in the first place before their clash and has repeatedly
pointed to favoritism aiding the Russian, with Umar being the
cousin of UFC Hall of Famer Khabib
Nurmagomedov.
The rivalry took another turn after Dvalishvili was involved in an
altercation with Nurmagomedov’s friend, Ahmed Gadzhimagomedov, at a
recent Real American Freestyle event in Georgia. When asked if
their feud is personal, Nurmagomedov confirmed the same.
“Is it personal? I think yes,” Nurmagomedov continued. “Already
yes. Now it’s personal. Now it’s personal not just for me. It’s
personal for all of Dagestan.”
Looking for a rematch, no matter what
happens next😳 pic.twitter.com/SU5xBDjoB9— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount)
August 25, 2026