Chael Sonnen warns Umar Nurmagomedov's camp against 'playing with' Merab Dvalishvili ahead of UFC 311: "He's a competitor first"

Chael Sonnen recently weighed in on the upcoming bantamweight title clash between Merab Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov and warned the Dagestani's camp about their antics toward the champion. He also noted that it could be a bad idea for 'Young Eagle's camp to take the Georgian's politeness for weakness.

The buildup for the UFC 311 co-main event has been a very heated one as both 'The Machine' and 'Young Eagle' were involved in a backstage exchange prior to their press conference and then another heated argument on stage.

Dvalishvili has been vocal about his feelings toward Nurmagomedov earning a title shot, while the challenger has claimed that the Georgian tried to avoid fighting him.

While speaking to The Schmo, the former middleweight title challenger highlighted 'The Machine's social media presence in which he posts light-hearted comedic skits and dances but is a serious competitor that shouldn't be antagonized.

Sonnen mentioned that Nurmagomedov should be leery about mistaking his personality for not being a true competitor as it could backfire when they meet in the octagon:

"People keep thinking Merab is playing around or they think that Merab is silly and I just don't know where it came from. I don't know if he's looked like a nice guy to somebody or if they think the dance is cute. I have no idea. There is nothing about the way Merab fights or trains where he's playing around. And he is one of those guys, he's a competitor first...There' are some guys you don't play with...Merab is one of those guys."

Check out Chael Sonnen's comments regarding Merab Dvalishvili below:

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Merab Dvalishvili warns Umar Nurmagomedov that he won't be protected at UFC 311

Merab Dvalishvili let his intentions be known ahead of UFC 311 as he warned Umar Nurmagomedov that he won't be protected in the octagon.

Dvalishvili posted a video to his X account outside the UFC PI after being told that he wasn't allowed inside because Nurmagomedov was in the building. The reigning bantamweight champion expressed his frustration and mentioned that he will take it out on the challenger at UFC 311:

"I'm gonna smash this guy because of all the disrespect, all the lies [Nurmagomedov] was saying. You better show up, Umar. Okay, today you will be protected. Don't worry, I'm not gonna punch you before the fight, but January 18, no one will protect you."

Check out Merab Dvalishvili's post below: