Merab Dvalishvili breaks silence on ex-teammate switching sides to help Umar Nurmagomedov for UFC 311: "They call each other Muslim brothers"

Merab Dvalishvili recently addressed the news that his former teammate Magdi Amachov is helping rival Umar Nurmagomedov prepare for their upcoming UFC 311 clash. Amachov, an amateur MMA fighter, had previously received Dvalishvili’s support when he was struggling in the U.S.

According to reports, the reigning UFC bantamweight champion had even opened his home to Amachov, seemingly providing him a place to stay during tough times. Dvalishvili acknowledged the situation with mixed emotions but clarified that he understands Amachov's stance.

He noted that Amachov’s relationship with Nurmagomedov is based on shared cultural and religious ties, with the two referring to each other as "Muslim brothers."

While Dvalishvili confessed he wouldn't make the same choice, he clarified that he doesn't bear any resentment for his ex-teammate. Speaking in a recent interview with 'The Schmo', Dvalishvili said:

"I love him and I did help him but I [didn't help him] because I own him you know? He's a big man and he can do whatever he wants. He's from Dagestan and I know he loves Islam Makhachev, I know he loves Khabib [Nurmagomedov] and Umar. They call each other Muslim brothers and I'm not surprised of course. That's his country, that's his friends. I mean, I will not do that but I will also not judge him. I love him and I understand this... I'm not mad."

Check out Merab Dvalishvili's comments below (5:00):

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Merab Dvalishvili labels Umar Nurmagomedov a "spoiled little baby" ahead of UFC 311 clash

Merab Dvalishvili has persistently expressed his frustration with Umar Nurmagomedov securing the title shot, claiming that the Dagestani didn't "earn" the opportunity.

During the aforementioned interview with 'The Schmo', Dvalishvili called his rival a “spoiled little baby” and accused him of being disrespectful. The UFC bantamweight champion clarified that he intends to humble Nurmagomedov in their upcoming fight. He also stated that despite Nurmagomedov’s impressive undefeated record, he plans to be the first to hand him a loss.

Dvalishvili said:

“I’m just going to make him humble. I think Umar is spoiled little baby. He’s been disrespectful... I’m going to look for the finish, but I’m not saying nothing. All I want is to win, [and] beat him because he is 18-and-0, which is undefeated. He was never defeated before. He is like amateur world champion, Russian champion, Dagestan champion, and sambo champion. He’s Khabib’s cousin and his brother Khabib never lost before. I will be the first who gives him loss.”