"I was kissing" - Merab Dvalishvili disputes "hate" narratives in lead up to UFC 311 clash against Umar Nurmagomedov, wants to bury the hatchet

Merab Dvalishvili seems hopeful that the bad blood with Umar Nurmagomedov can dissipate in the aftermath of UFC 311. The reigning and defending bantamweight champion spoke to on-site reporters at the fight week media day as Dvalishvili covered several subjects before his co-main event title defense against Nurmagomedov.

When asked about the perceived drama leading up to the fight and addressing what could happen once the contest is done, Dvalishvili said:

"That's another thing, it's not true. I don't need to hate nobody you guys know. I was kissing Sean O'Malley. I had so much fun inside the octagon. I was smiling there. I don't need to hate nobody. I don't hate nobody but it was things that Umar disrespect me."

"He call me fake champion which is; I'm not a fake champion... He mentioned my country and then he still continue [to] disrespect me and this is not right... I want to shake hands. I want to give him respect. I want to be good with him again. We have to settle this one now."

Check out Merab Dvalishvili's comments below:

---

Merab Dvalishvili's injuries leading into UFC 311

Merab Dvalishvili seems to be dealing with a few hindrances leading into this weekend even beyond the mental battle amid the feud with Umar Nurmagomedov. The 34-year-old titleholder has recently come out to mention he is dealing with some injuries, albeit with undisclosed ailments, heading into the first pay-per-view event for the promotion in 2025.

Dvalishvili had at one point wanted this fight to happen closer to March but a decision was made to fight even sooner amid some of his Las Vegas-based training preparations with Aljamain Sterling before his fight with Movsar Evloev. Speaking to Damon Martin of MMA Fighting, Dvalishvili stated:

"Once I hear the UFC needs me, I stepped up and Dana [White] said, 'Yes'. I go to the office and I said 'Ok, I will step up. I'm a company man. Let's do it'."

The native of Georgia went on to mention how he would get into specifics with what his injuries are after this coming weekend and Dvalishvili did say his preparations for this first title defense were affected. Despite describing the training as difficult, Dvalishvili said he is good to go and that he is ready to compete under the bright lights on Saturday night.