Former UFC champion claims Umar Nurmagomedov has everything Khabib and Islam Makhachev "had and more," predicts dominance over Merab Dvalishvili

A former UFC middleweight champion shared his predictions on how the Umar Nurmagomedov vs Merab Dvalishvili fight will unfold. He also praised the Dagestani fighter's skills.

‘Young Eagle,’ who boasts a perfect record of 18-0, will attempt to dethrone Dvalishvili and claim the bantamweight title in the co-main event of UFC 311. The event is set to take place at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, United States, on Jan. 18 next year.

In a recent appearance on the JAXXON podcast, former middleweight champ Luke Rockhold was asked about Nurmagomedov. In response, Rockhold termed Umar as the next generation of Dagestani fighters and finds him more well-rounded than Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev. Rockhold said:

“Umar has always had it; he's always been that next generation of fighters. You had Khabib, who was incredibly strong in grappling, then Islam, who brought a more dynamic striking game. Umar is the next evolution—so fluid, so creative. He has great wrestling, everything those guys had, and more.”

Furthermore, he shared his prediction for how the fight between Umar Nurmagomedov and Merab Dvalishvili would unfold.

“Umar can beat him everywhere. He can outstrike Merab, and if Merab shoots in, Umar can counter him, get to his back, and take a dominant position. Merab might have a slight wrestling edge in some ways, but Umar’s overall skill set is superior. I see Umar outstriking Merab, frustrating him, and countering when Merab shoots. He’s going to get to dominant positions, and I don’t see the fight going any other way.”

Check out Luke Rockhold’s comments below (30:40):

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Khabib Nurmagomedov defends Umar Nurmagomedov's title shot ahead of UFC 311

Before the official announcement, Merab Dvalishvili dismissed Umar Nurmagomedov as a deserving contender for the bantamweight title, He asserted that Umar had not achieved enough to warrant a title shot and expressed greater interest in a rematch with Sean O’Malley.

Following the announcement of their fight, 'The Machine' accused 'Young Eagle' during the UFC 311 press conference of receiving the title shot as a "gift" from the UFC.

In a recent press conference, Khabib Nurmagomedov defended 'Young Eagle's claim to a title shot. Highlighting Umar's flawless 18-0 record, Khabib stated:

“About Umar (getting a) gift, Umar is 18-0, and he’s on a six-fight win streak in the UFC, and they gave him a very tough opponent in his last fight, five-round main event vs. Cory Sandhagen. I think Umar deserves it. I don’t know why Merab is nervous. Umar here not because he is my cousin. He’s here because he’s 18-0 and 6-0 in the UFC. Umar wants to create his legacy. He will show January 18. He will show why Merab is nervous.” [H/t Red Corner MMA]

Check out Khabib Nurmagomedov’s comments below: