Merab Dvalishvili calls Umar Nurmagomedov undeserving of a title shot, names fighter who deserves it

Merab Dvalishvili last entered the octagon at UFC 298 in February, defeating Henry Cejudo via unanimous decision to extend his winning streak to 10. The victory earned 'The Machine' a title opportunity as he is set to challenge Sean O'Malley for the bantamweight throne at UFC 306 next weekend.

Meanwhile, Umar Nurmagomedov appears to be next in line after defeating Cory Sandhagen via unanimous decision at UFC on ABC 7 last month. Speaking to Mike Bohn of MMA Junkie, the No.1-ranked bantamweight recently shared that he doesn't believe 'Young Eagle' deserves to fight for the belt:

"I think next title fight Deiveson Figueiredo deserves to fight for the belt. He beat one former champion in this weight class, one title challenger and he beat Rob Font. And Figueiredo is a former champion and he has a big name and he deserves it because Umar, he only beat Cory Sandhagen from top-15. Only one guy he beat from top-15. Why does he deserve to fight for the belt?"

Dvalishvili added:

"I don't think he deserves to fight for the belt. That's my opinion. That's my true answer. Figueiredo deserves it more, if you want my opinion about that. Umar doesn't deserve to fight for the belt because we all know he was fighting nobody and he got a fight with No.2. Why does he deserve it? Figueiredo deserves it more."

Check out Merab Dvalishvili's comments on Umar Nurmagomedov below:

While Deiveson Figueiredo has been impressive in three bouts since making his bantamweight debut last December, Nurmagomedov was told he will receive the next title shot with a victory over Sandhagen. Despite his resume featuring only one ranked opponent, he has climbed to second in the divisional rankings.

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Merab Dvalishvili previously shared why he believes Umar Nurmagomedov is being pushed

Umar Nurmagomedov appears to be next in line to face the winner of the UFC 306 title bout between Sean O'Malley and Merab Dvalishvili. Ahead of 'Young Eagle's' victory over Cory Sandhagen, 'The Machine' claimed that he is being pushed because he is the cousin of UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Speaking to heavywgtMMA, the No.1-ranked bantamweight stated:

"I know the UFC [is] pushing him. He don't deserve the push like this. He's a good fighter, but he beat nobody and he's ranked No.10. Now, he's fighting No.2. He has a push because we all know why. He's Khabib's cousin. He's a good figher. I have all the respect [for] him."

Dvalishvili further claimed that Nurmagomedov and O'Malley have had an easy route to the top before adding:

"It leaves me heartbroken when you see sometimes when you working hard I wasn't sure if I was getting a title fight until two weeks ago... He's a good fighter, but we will see. I'm not excited for this fight because I know he got here easy. He's a good fighter but he got pushed. It's like cheating a little bit to get here. I have 12 fights in the UFC, I beat like seven or eight ranked fighters. Umar don't fight any ranked fighters yet."

Check out Merab Dvalishvili's comments on Umar Nurmagomedov: