Bo Nickal's former opponent shares two-word prediction for upcoming UFC 311 fight between Merab Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov

The co-main event of UFC 311 features a thrilling bantamweight showdown between reigning champion Merab Dvalishvili and undefeated challenger Umar Nurmagomedov. The event is set to go down on Jan. 18 at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.

Dvalishvili's arsenal boasts the strength of relentless wrestling, unmatched cardio, and ever-improving striking skills. Nurmagomedov, on the other hand, carries the legacy of his famous family name and combines sharp grappling and precise striking in his quest to claim gold.

Former UFC fighter Val Woodburn, who grabbed headlines for his short-notice fight against Bo Nickal at UFC 290, which ended in an unfortunate loss, recently shared his prediction for the fight. Reacting to the fight in two simple words on an Instagram post by UFC, he wrote:

"And still! @merab.dvalishvili"

Check out the Instagram post and Woodburn's comment below:

Val Woodburn picks the winner for upcoming Merab Dvalishvili vs. Umar Nurmagomedov clash. [Screenshot courtesy: @ufc on Instagram]

Dvalishvili enters this fight riding an 11-fight win streak, including a dominant title-winning performance against Sean O’Malley at UFC 306. His ability to overwhelm opponents with relentless pressure has made him a nightmare for anyone in the division.

Meanwhile, Nurmagomedov, with an 18-0 record, is viewed as a future champion. His perfect career has showcased his tactical brilliance and composure under pressure. The pair have also engaged in fiery exchanges in the leadup to the fight which amplifies the excitement for the clash.

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Umar Nurmagomedov sheds light on rivalry with Merab Dvalishvili

Umar Nurmagomedov downplayed any personal animosity with Merab Dvalishvili and clarified that their exchanges are rooted in competition rather than hostility. Despite social media clashes and press conference tension, Nurmagomedov insisted there was no bad blood from his side.

He acknowledged frustration with Dvalishvili’s focus on potential rematches with Sean O’Malley and Petr Yan, suggesting the champion preferred easier opponents for his first title defense. Speaking in an interview with ufc.com, Nurmagomedov said:

“I don't think he’s an angry person. I don't think he’s a bad person. I really don't know why he's talking about disrespect. Of course, I tweeted, I’m talking, but I didn't call [him] a liar, and I didn't say [he was] a bad person. I talked about the fight. I thought, ‘Hey, Merab, you try to avoid me. You don’t mention my name. It looks like you’re insane. Everybody talks about that." [H/t: ufc.com]