"I am not waiting” - Umar Nurmagomedov declares Song Yadong fight off the table but adamant to fight before Ramadan

Umar Nurmagomedov was reportedly in talks to fight Song Yadong in December, after growing tired of waiting for his chance to fight for the title. Many expected him to be Merab Dvalishili's next oppponent, but 'Young Eagle' is not interested in waiting until 2025.

Dvalishvili defeated Sean O'Malley at Noche UFC 306 on Sept. 14 to win the bantamweight title. With Nurmagomedov eager to compete for the title in December, the champion found himself eyeing a date in February or March, 2025 instead.

This has caused the Dagestani much frustration given that he will be partaking in Ramadan during that time. He accused 'The Machine' of trying to fight a lesser version of him, with the 28-year old adamant on fighting before Ramadan.

But Nurmagomedov recently took to X to declare his potential fight with Yadong was not going ahead, as the title contender also took aim at the bantamweight champion in his post. He wrote:

"I am always ready, and right now I am waiting for an opponent, as Yadong declined to fight in December - I was told he is injured. Merab, before my fight with [Cory] Sandhagen, you said that if I beat him, I would deserve recognition. Now you have changed your position - decide who you are. All fans and analysts are noticing how you are avoiding the fight. Championship is recognition, but you haven't received it, and you know that perfectly well."

Check out Umar Nurmagomedov's post below:

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Merab Dvalishvili sheds light on wanting Sean O'Malley in November, but not Umar Nurmagomedov

Merab Dvalishvili recently made headlines after stating he would be willing to fight Sean O'Malley in a rematch in November, but would only accept a bout with Umar Nurmagomedov in 2025.

Having defeated O'Malley at Noche UFC 306 on Sept. 14, his comments were all the more surprising.

However, during a recent interview with MMA Junkie, 'The Machine' responded to the backlash, saying:

"We're both in the same situation. We both fought on September 14th and we would both step back [into the octagon] on the same day. But when somebody else has been ready for me, preparing for me, that's a different story. With O'Malley it's easy, we're both in the same situation... That's why I told him we could do a quick turnaround for November... But to fight somebody new, somebody with a different style. Yeah, I need time. I need two or three months."

Check out Merab Dvalishvili's response to Umar Nurmagomedov below (3:25):