"He doesn’t have a cousin like Khabib” - Merab Dvalishvili claims Top-10 ranked bantamweight deserves title fight more than Umar Nurmagomedov

Merab Dvalishvili is steadfast in his belief that there are several bantamweight contenders more deserving of a title shot than Umar Nurmagomedov. Dvalishvili and Nurmagomedov are scheduled to clash for the 135-pound title in the co-main event of UFC 311 on Jan. 18.

According to the champion, his opponent's well-known surname and connection to cousin Khabib Nurmagomedov allowed him the chance to compete for UFC gold prematurely.

'The Machine' had previously identified former champion, Petr Yan, as a viable contender for a title shot. But during a recent interview with Brian Campbell, the Georgian named tenth-ranked bantamweight Mario Bautista as another fighter more deserving of a title shot than 'Young Eagle'.

Nurmagomedov is currently undefeated at 18-0, and holds a 6-0 record in the octagon. Bautista is 9-2 inside the UFC, and is riding a seven-fight winning streak.

Dvalishvili said this during his recent interview:

"I always said if the UFC wants [me to fight Umar], of course I'll fight him. But he has to fight more... There are so many good fighters. How about [Mario] Bautista? He has a seven-fight winning streak. Nobody cares. He deserves [the title shot] more, but I guess he doesn't have a cousin like Khabib."

Check out Merab Dvalishvili's comments on Umar Nurmagomedov below (2:40):

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Umar Nurmagomedov responds to Merab Dvalishvili threatening to slap him at UFC 311

Umar Nurmagomedov will hope to follow in the footsteps of cousin Khabib Nurmagomedov by winning a UFC belt with an undefeated record. 'The Eagle' will be in the corner for the title challenger's clash with Merab Dvalishvili, who hopes to serve his opponent a slice of humble pie.

'The Machine' has been accused of avoiding a fight with Nurmagomedov, which has only served to make the bantamweight champion irate. He felt his upcoming opponent had disrespected not only him, but the people of Georgia. He has demanded that 'Young Eagle' apologize for his comments, and has threatened to slap him if he does not.

The 29-year-old was recently interviewed by Shakiel Mahjouri ahead of UFC 311, who informed Nurmagomedov of Dvalishvili's threat. He responded by saying:

"We're gonna see how he's gonna do it. You know, you own your words before you say them. After that, your words own you. What you say, that owns you. We're gonna see how he's gonna do this."

Check out Umar Nurmagomedov's response to Merab Dvalishvili below (4:25):