Umar Nurmagomedov has made it clear that his rivalry with Merab Dvalishvili has reached a different level.
The two bantamweights already have history inside the UFC, with Dvalishvili handing Nurmagomedov the first defeat of his professional career at UFC 311 in January 2025. However, a recent incident involving Nurmagomedov’s friend has added another layer to their ongoing feud.
Nurmagomedov now says he wants another fight with Dvalishvili regardless of the result of the Georgian’s upcoming title fight.
Nurmagomedov Wants Dvalishvili Regardless of the Result
Nurmagomedov first has an important assignment in front of him. The Dagestani fighter is scheduled to face Song Yadong in the main event of UFC Shanghai on August 29.
A victory would strengthen Nurmagomedov’s position in the bantamweight division and could put him closer to another title opportunity. Despite that, his eyes remain firmly on Dvalishvili.
That statement shows how strongly Nurmagomedov wants to avenge the only loss on his professional record.
Umar Nurmagomedov entered UFC 311 undefeated with a record of 18 wins. Dvalishvili produced a competitive unanimous decision victory, improving his own position at the top of the bantamweight division while ending Nurmagomedov’s unbeaten run. Since then, Nurmagomedov has continued to pursue another opportunity against the former champion.
A Backstage Incident Changed the Rivalry
The rivalry became even more heated following an incident at a Real American Freestyle event in Georgia.
Dvalishvili was competing at the event and also took part in a wrestling match against former UFC champion Henry Cejudo. The situation later escalated backstage when Ahmed Gadzhimagomedov, a friend of Nurmagomedov, confronted Dvalishvili.
According to Dvalishvili, Gadzhimagomedov grabbed him by the neck and began shouting at him in Russian. Dvalishvili said he responded by slapping him, which eventually led to an altercation involving members of both sides.
The incident quickly became another talking point in the already tense relationship between the two fighters. Nurmagomedov was asked whether the situation had made his rivalry with Dvalishvili personal.
His answer 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.
Dvalishvili has offered a different version of the incident, insisting that his actions came after he was confronted backstage. The disagreement has added more intensity to a rivalry that was already developing after their UFC 311 meeting.
Dvalishvili Has Another Major Fight First
Before Nurmagomedov can get his rematch, Dvalishvili has his own major challenge.
The Georgian is scheduled to face Petr Yan at UFC 333 on October 24 in Abu Dhabi. The fight is another chapter in their rivalry, with Yan previously defeating Dvalishvili to capture the bantamweight championship.
Nurmagomedov has already predicted that Yan will defeat Dvalishvili again. However, he would apparently prefer a different outcome if it means getting the opportunity to challenge Dvalishvili for the championship.
When asked whether Dvalishvili winning would be better for him, Nurmagomedov simply replied, “It’s going to be better.”
That scenario would potentially give Nurmagomedov the opportunity to settle his personal rivalry while also fighting for the UFC bantamweight title.
Song Yadong Stands in Umar Nurmagomedov’s Way
For now, however, Song Yadong is the only opponent Umar Nurmagomedov can afford to focus on.
Song enters their UFC Shanghai main event with a strong reputation and considerable UFC experience. He has also spoken confidently about the matchup, suggesting that Nurmagomedov is not as fast as Sean O’Malley and describing the fight as an easy challenge.
Nurmagomedov has dismissed that confidence.
He’s making a big mistake. It’s gonna be very hard for him, Nurmagomedov said.
The matchup represents an important test for Nurmagomedov because a victory would keep his title ambitions alive. His record currently stands at 20 wins and one loss, with eight victories inside the UFC.
Song enters the contest with a record of 23 wins, nine losses and one draw, including 12 UFC victories.
A Rematch Could Have Major Stakes
A second meeting between Nurmagomedov and Dvalishvili would carry considerably more weight than their first fight.
Their UFC 311 bout established Dvalishvili as the first man to defeat Nurmagomedov professionally. Since then, their disagreements outside the cage have continued to build the rivalry.
Umar Nurmagomedov now wants the opportunity to correct what happened in their first meeting. Whether Dvalishvili remains champion or loses the belt to Yan, Nurmagomedov appears determined to make the rematch happen.
First, though, he must deal with Song Yadong in Shanghai. If Nurmagomedov wins, the path toward another meeting with Dvalishvili could become much clearer. And judging by his latest comments, the Dagestani contender has no intention of letting the rivalry disappear.
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