In the main event of UFC 311, Merab Dvalishvili demonstrated why he’s quickly become one of the most feared fighters in the bantamweight division. The defending champion retained his 135-pound title with a gritty unanimous decision victory over the previously undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov in a five-round war of attrition.
Dvalishvili, known for his relentless pace and cardio, lived up to his “Machine” moniker by constantly pressuring Nurmagomedov from the opening bell. The challenger, who entered the bout with an 18-0 record, showed flashes of brilliance with his striking and grappling but ultimately couldn’t keep up with the champion’s unforgiving rhythm.
Dvalishvili’s Path to Victory
The key to Dvalishvili’s success was his ability to blend his wrestling background with an ever-improving striking game. He consistently forced Nurmagomedov to defend takedowns, wearing down the challenger as the fight progressed. Even when Nurmagomedov managed to secure advantageous positions on the ground, Dvalishvili’s incredible scrambling ability allowed him to escape and regain his feet.
Striking Superiority
On the feet, Dvalishvili showcased improved boxing, consistently landing crisp combinations and heavy leg kicks. His ability to mix up his strikes kept Nurmagomedov guessing and prevented the challenger from finding his rhythm. As the fight entered the championship rounds, Dvalishvili’s striking advantage became more pronounced, with Nurmagomedov’s output drastically declining.
“I knew I had to keep pushing the pace,” Dvalishvili said in his post-fight interview. “Umar is a tough guy, but I’m the champion for a reason. I’m ready for anyone in this division.”
Merab Dvalishvili, UFC Bantamweight Champion
Nurmagomedov’s Valiant Effort
Despite suffering his first professional loss, Nurmagomedov showed glimpses of the skill that made him one of the most hyped prospects in the bantamweight division. His striking was crisp early on, and he managed to secure several takedowns throughout the fight. However, Dvalishvili’s relentless pressure and cardio proved too much to overcome.
- Striking accuracy: Nurmagomedov landed 112 of 246 significant strikes (45%)
- Takedowns: Nurmagomedov secured 3 takedowns on 11 attempts
- Submission attempts: Nurmagomedov attempted 2 submissions, both in the third round
What’s Next for the Bantamweight Division?
With Dvalishvili’s first title defense in the books, attention turns to who might be next in line for a shot at the bantamweight crown. Several contenders have emerged in recent months, including:
- Sean O’Malley: The flashy striker has won three straight since losing to Dvalishvili last year
- Marlon Vera: “Chito” has been on a tear, winning five of his last six fights
- Cory Sandhagen: The former title challenger bounced back with a dominant win in his last outing
No matter who gets the nod, one thing is certain: Merab Dvalishvili has cemented himself as the man to beat at 135 pounds. With his unrelenting style and ever-evolving skill set, “The Machine” shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
