Aljamain Sterling raises concerns over UFC’s short-notice booking for Merab Dvalishvili vs. Umar Nurmagomedov

Former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling recently raised concerns about the bantamweight title clash between Merab Dvalishvili vs. Umar Nurmagomedov being booked for UFC 311. The title fight came together quickly and 'Funk Master' noted he believed his teammate should have more time to prepare.

The animosity between 'The Machine' and 'Young Eagle' was on full display during the special UFC 311 announcement press conference earlier this month as the two were separated backstage. Their backstage argument carried over to the press conference, where Dvalishvili took shots at Nurmagomedov for not defeating several top contenders before being granted his title shot.

During his latest appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, the former bantamweight champion questioned why the promotion booked 'The Machine' vs. 'Young Eagle' so quickly. Sterling mentioned that he believes Dvalishvili is being rushed back to defend his newly won title and should have been granted more time as the champion. He said:

"[Dvalishvili vs. Nurmagomedov] is being made on six weeks notice. Maybe six-and-a-half. For a title fight? I understand having to do that if you're a challenger, but as the champion, you shouldn't be relegated to those type of stipulations. It's just not right. Then it leaves a bad taste in your mouth as in, 'Why did I work so hard to get this position to call the shots or some of the shots'? And you're not even getting a fair shake in it."

Check out Aljamain Sterling's comments regarding Merab Dvalishvili vs. Umar Nurmagomedov below:

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Aljamain Sterling on Merab Dvalishvili's UFC 311 title defense

Despite the circumstances of his upcoming bantamweight title defense, Aljamain Sterling is backing his training partner Merab Dvalishvili to defend his title at UFC 311.

During the referenced interview, Sterling mentioned he is confident that Dvalishvili will hand Umar Nurmagomedov his first career loss and is eager to move on from the Dagestani. He said:

"Hopefully we go out there, knock on wood, Merab [Dvalishvili] does his thing. He takes [Nurmagomedov's] 0, puts on a great performance and we can move on from this and onto the next [challenger]."

Check out the heated press conference exchange between Merab Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov below: