Umar Nurmagomedov Answers Merab Dvalishvili

Umar Nurmagomedov has answered Merab Dvalishvili’s latest accusations by telling his former opponent to address the dispute in person. Dvalishvili had criticized Nurmagomedov and his manager, Rizvan Magomedov, while also returning to an argument about an incident involving Georgian fans. Nurmagomedov rejected the claims and said there was no need to continue the exchange through interviews or social media.

The comments revive a rivalry that already has a competitive result. Dvalishvili defeated Nurmagomedov by decision at UFC 311 in January 2025, handing him the first loss of his professional career. That outcome remains part of the history between them, but the latest disagreement concerns respect, public accusations and who controls the messages associated with Nurmagomedov’s accounts.

Nurmagomedov Rejects the Claims About His Team

Dvalishvili described Magomedov as “sneaky” and suggested that Nurmagomedov’s manager was behind some of the public friction. Nurmagomedov defended his representative and said nobody else uses his Twitter account. His position is that the comments attached to his name are his own and that Dvalishvili should not redirect responsibility toward the people around him.

Nurmagomedov also disputed Dvalishvili’s version of a confrontation involving Georgian supporters at a wrestling event. The accounts do not align, and no new independent evidence has settled the argument. That makes attribution important: Dvalishvili has made an accusation, and Nurmagomedov has denied it. Presenting either version as established fact would overstate what is known.

His invitation to speak face to face was framed as a way to stop the cycle. UFC 333 is scheduled for Abu Dhabi, where Dvalishvili has a championship fight, and Nurmagomedov suggested they could meet there. He did not announce a sanctioned bout or threaten an unscheduled physical confrontation; he challenged Dvalishvili to have the conversation directly.

Both Fighters Have Immediate Work Elsewhere

The bantamweight title picture has moved since UFC 311. Dvalishvili later defended against Sean O’Malley and Cory Sandhagen before losing the championship to Petr Yan at UFC 323 in December. He is now scheduled to face Yan again at UFC 333, a third meeting that will shape the next stage of the division.

Nurmagomedov responded to his only defeat with decision victories over Mario Bautista and Deiveson Figueiredo. His next assignment is Saturday’s main event against Song Yadong in Shanghai. That bout has a direct effect on his ranking and any attempt to earn another title shot, making it more urgent than an argument with an opponent who is already booked elsewhere.

The rivalry could eventually become relevant to matchmaking again. Dvalishvili owns the win, while Nurmagomedov believes the story between them is not finished. No rematch has been announced, however, and both men have separate opponents. Their comments create interest; they do not create an official fight.

A second meeting would also need to be earned through results, not only through sharper interviews. Nurmagomedov’s route begins with Song, and Dvalishvili’s position depends on the third Yan fight. The division may look different after both contests, which is why the personal dispute cannot yet be treated as the next sporting step.

• Dvalishvili defeated Nurmagomedov by decision in their UFC 311 championship fight.
• Nurmagomedov now faces Song Yadong in Shanghai, while Dvalishvili is booked to meet Petr Yan at UFC 333.

Nurmagomedov’s answer is forceful, but the sporting priorities remain separate. He must beat Song to strengthen his position, and Dvalishvili has a title fight with Yan. If their paths meet again, the UFC can make the rematch official. Until then, the dispute is a personal continuation of a rivalry with one completed result.

Sources: MMA Fighting