Ilia Topuria video calls Merab Dvalishvili to give incredible pep talk ahead of Umar Nurmagomedov clash: "You are going to eat him!"

Merab Dvalishvili was the recipient of a video call from fellow Georgian UFC champion Ilia Topuria, who shared some kind and motivational words with him. 'The Machine' is set to defend his bantamweight title against Umar Nurmagomedov in a highly anticipated grudge match.

While many believe that Nurmagomedov's high-level wrestling and well-rounded skill-set will prove to be the difference-maker in the upcoming bout, Topuria feels differently. During their call, he empowered Dvalishvili with a pep talk, assuring him that he will emerge victorious come fight night.

"My lovely brother, how are you?"

After a brief greeting, the reigning UFC featherweight champion said the following to his fellow countryman:

"Now, it's all good. You made the weight nicely, perfectly. Are you ready? You will eat him! You are going to eat him! I swear, I was watching his fights, you are so different. You will eat him. Just go in there with the same mentality like you always do. Have confidence in yourself. You are a record-holder of takedowns of your division, you're throwing opponents in the air. Once you get the opportunity, grab him and throw him in the air and teach him how to wrestle."

Check out Ilia Topuria encouraging Merab Dvalishvili below:

It would certainly be a feat if Dvalishvili, who is indeed a record-breaking takedown artist, manages to completely outwrestle Nurmagomedov, who comes from the feared school of Dagestani wrestling. Neither man is short on confidence ahead of their co-main event clash, and it is expected to be a thrilling affair.

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Merab Dvalishvili and Ilia Topuria are Georgia's first UFC champions

Merab Dvalishvili and Ilia Topuria bear several similarities. First, both men became the first-ever UFC champions from Georgia, with Dvalishvili capturing bantamweight gold against Sean O'Malley. Meanwhile, 'El Matador' dethroned the legendary Alexander Volkanovski to claim the featherweight title.

Moreover, the two stars also represent other countries, with Dvalishvili representing the United States after becoming a citizen. By contract, Topuria represents Spain, and has become one of the country's biggest combat sports athletes of all time.

Dvalishvili will be looking to score his first successful title defense this evening at UFC 311, while Topuria already did at UFC 308.