"He just change in like 30 minutes" - Merab Dvalishvili breaks down difference between beef with Umar Nurmagomedov and rivalry with Sean O'Malley

UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili recently explained the stark contrast between his professional rivalry with Sean O'Malley and the escalating tension with Umar Nurmagomedov. Dvalishvili secured the bantamweight title after defeating O'Malley via unanimous decision at UFC 306 on Sept 14, 2024.

Despite the hype surrounding the event, Dvalishvili insists his interactions with O'Malley were rooted in mutual respect and focused on promoting their fight:

"So Sean [O'Malley] was actually quiet and never responded. Even when I was making funny skits and stuff like this... He was champion and I [had] nothing personal and nothing disrespect. It was just promote the fight and respectful."

However, the atmosphere surrounding his upcoming title defense against undefeated contender Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 311 is markedly different. The two have engaged in heated exchanges on social media, with Dvalishvili expressing frustration over Nurmagomedov’s behavior.

Recalling an in-person encounter, Dvalishvili said:

"He called me so many bad words on [X]... So when I met him in person, I was so mad at him, I wanted to tell him why you disrespect me so much... It was UFC area and I don't want to like [cause] any problem to UFC... So I asked Why do you disrespect me? He said, because I want, what you going to do about it? And then I was so mad and I said whatever... Then in press conference he said, I never disrespect him and he just change in like 30 minutes."

Check out Merab Dvalishvili's comments below (50:15):

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Umar Nurmagomedov warns Merab Dvalishvili ahead of championship fight

Umar Nurmagomedov is determined to prove why he’s favored against Merab Dvalishvili in their upcoming bantamweight title fight. Confident in his abilities, Nurmagomedov believes his grappling skills and versatile game plan will neutralize Dvalishvili’s relentless pace and takedown-heavy approach.

Nurmagomedov emphasized his readiness to engage the champion in "deep waters" and make the contest a grueling battle:

“He knows, other guys, he will beat. For me it’s going to be hard…I can’t imagine how he will beat me. He can hold me, okay maybe he will take me down one time but he has to hold me there, he can’t. I can wrestle too, don’t forget!”

Check out Umar Nurmagomedov's comments below: