Umar Nurmagomedov claps back at Aljamain Sterling over Merab Dvalishvili's "double standards"

Umar Nurmagomedov recently exchanged words with Aljamain Sterling, claiming that Merab Dvalishvili has double standards.

Nurmagomedov last entered the octagon in August when he defeated Cory Sandhagen via unanimous decision in the main event of UFC on ABC 7. It marked the biggest win of 'Young Eagle's' career as it was his first victory over a ranked opponent.

While many believed he would receive an undisputed title opportunity, the No.2-ranked bantamweight has reportedly been booked to face Song Yadong in the main event of UFC on ESPN 63 in December.

Nurmagomedov and Sterling previously exchanged words after 'Funk Master' claimed that Dvalishvili is not ducking the Dagestani. In his latest post, the former bantamweight champion tweeted:

"Brother, this is a lazy rebuttal. Everything I said was accurate. If you were champ you would NEVER turn around for quick fights, and on your opponents desired timeline. You can’t use these false claims. Merab has competed against so many top guys and former champions and won. Earn it like the rest of us 💪🏾"

Nurmagomedov responded:

"I just talk about double standards . I agree he deserves this belt and he beat a lot of tuff guys. Why he not injured for everyone Just for fight with me ?"

Check out Aljamain Sterling's recent tweet and Umar Nurmagomedov's response below:

Nurmagomedov has called for a title opportunity; however, Dvalishvili shared that he plans to spend time away from the octagon. The No.2-ranked bantamweight will look to solidify his title case when he faces Yadong in December.

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Will Umar Nurmagomedov receive the next bantamweight title opportunity?

While many believed that Umar Nurmagomedov would receive the next bantamweight title opportunity after defeating Cory Sandhagen, it is unclear if that will be the case. Merab Dvalishvili revealed that he will take time off before sharing the octagon his ideal opponent for his first title defense.

Speaking to Ariel Helwani on his self-titled show, 'The Machine' claimed:

"If [the] UFC offers me Sean O'Malley, I would love to fight him. If [the] UFC offers me somebody else, I will fight. I'm a champion now and I'm not making - I don't know, maybe some champions makes decisions, but I don't care. They'll give me whoever is the next contender and I will fight, but my best option will be Sean O'Malley, but only if [the] UFC wants me to fight Sean O'Malley. This way I will fight him. If not, anybody else. We will see."

Check out Merab Dvalishvili's comments below (15:00):

Dvalishvili noted that there are multiple fights within the division that could impact which direction the promotion leans. While he was able to defeat Sean O'Malley with relative ease at UFC 306, 'Sugar's starpower could lead the UFC to give him an immediate rematch over Umar Nurmagomedov.