UFC 311: Merab Dvalishvili vs. Umar Nurmagomedov: Live round-by-round updates

A bantamweight title clash between Merab Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov will serve as the co-main event for UFC 311 later tonight (Jan. 18) at the Intuit Dome in California.

Reigning champion Dvalishvili (18-4) is currently riding an 11-fight win streak, most recently claiming the title from Sean O'Malley via a unanimous decision win at UFC's magnum opus at the Las Vegas Sphere.

'The Machine' is one of the most feared grapplers in the division and his pressure-based fighting style has been a puzzle few fighters have been able to solve.

Tensions are running high between the two fighters, as the Georgian believes that Dagestani has insistently disrespected and discredited him during the build-up to their fight.

Nurmagomedov, (18-0) however, is the perfect answer to 'The Machine's' fighting style. Coming from the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov's camp, Umar is no stranger to high-level wrestling, add to that his credible striking skills, and the 'Young Eagle' is sure to give the champion problems.

The 29-year-old was most recently seen in a unanimous decision win over former interim title challenger Cory Sandhagen.

The oddsmakers see Nurmagomedov as a -250 favorite for the match-up, with the champion as a +205 underdog. The main card of UFC 311 is now live. Stick with Sportskeeda for live coverage and play-by-play updates from the fight card.

Check out the final face-off between the pair below:

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UFC 311: Merab Dvalishvili vs. Umar Nurmagomedov

Round 1

The fighters are employing a cautious approach. It seems like Nurmagomedov is wary of the takedown threat his opponent presents and doesn't want to overcommit.

A looping right hand lands for the 'Young Eagle' was Dvalishvili returns the favor shortly after. Multiple body shots land for the champion. 'The Machine' attempts a level change but fails to finish it.

A high kick followed by a right-hand lands for Nrmagomedov. 'Young Eagle' attempts a takedown. While he fails to complete it, he lands a leaping knee on the break.

Both fighters are showcasing impeccable takedown defense. A slick right-hand lands for Nurmagomedov. The champion seems to be hurt. A good round for the challenger.

Our score: 10-9 Nurmagomedov.

Round 2

Nurmagomedov swarms his opponent with a combo. Merab returns fire with a right hand. A takedown attempt from the champion once again gets defended by the challenge.

Dvalisvili once again attempts a level change, but this time Nurmagomedov reverses it with a back trip and gets a takedown of his own. This might be a pivotal point of the fight.

Multiple body shots lads for 'The Machine' and the 'Young Eagle' catches him on the counter. Dvalishvili's game plan seems to be coming apart as he fails to complete a single-level change attempt.

Our score: 10-9 Nurmagomedov.

Round 3

Merab pressure for another takedown and once again the Dagestani masterfully defends it, before landing a right hand. Dvalishvili lands a right hand and the challenger returns fire with a front kick.

A hard body kick lands for the challenger. A right hand lands for the champion and he follows it up with a jab. Merab gets a flash takedown. Moments later he attempts another but this time, Nurmagomedov flips his opponent over to get back to his feet.

Nurmagomedov tries to force a takedown, 'The Machine' tires showboat showing off his takedown defense but gets takedown eventually.

Our score: 10-9 Dvalishvili.

Round 4

The champion starts the round shooting for a takedown, which gets defended by the challenger. Dvaishvili's incessant takedown attempts seem to be burning his opponent's gas tank.

A high kick lands for the challenger, but he seems fatigued. A good left-hand lands for the challenger. The challenger stuffs another takedown. A nice right-hand lands for the champion.

A slick right-hand lands, this time for the challenger. The champion is pushing the pace but is failing to land clean on his opponent. Umar attempts a level change but fails to complete it.

The champion now goes for a takedown, this time he completes it. The tide seems to be turning in favor of the champion. Nurmagomedov gets back to his feet, but he is clearly gassed.

Our score: 10-9 Dvalishvili.

Round 5

As the final round unfolds, Nurmagomedov is clearly fatigued. The champion attempts another takedown which gets defended by the challenger.

'The Machine' is spamming takedown attempts in an effort to tire his opponent out further. A labored kick lands for the challenger. A left hand lands for Nurmagomedov, and he follows it up with a body kick.

Dvalishivili attempts a takedown but gets checked and countered with a body kick. A body kick, followed by a high kick lands for the champion. A nasty right-hand lands for 'The Machine'.

A the end of the round, Dvalishvili finishes a takedown, possibly sealing his win. The champion delivers a performance worthy of his ring name, 'The Machine.'

Our score: 10-9 Dvalishvili.

Stay tuned for the official decision.

Official Decision: Merab Dvalishvili def. Umar Nurmagomedov via unanimous deicison. (48-47,48-47,49,49-46)