Umar Nurmagomedov delivers a shocking remark about "hardest challenge" in the bantamweight division and it's not Merab Dvalishvili 

Umar Nurmagomedov believes Merab Dvalishvili isn't the "hardest challenge" in the UFC bantamweight division.

The first UFC pay-per-view of 2025, UFC 311, features two title fights, including Dvalishvili's first bantamweight defense. Dvalishvili must overcome a tough challenge to retain his throne, as Nurmagomedov looks to extend his undefeated professional MMA record to 19-0.

On August 3, 2024, Nurmagomedov defeated Cory Sandhagen by unanimous decision to secure his title shot. While speaking to ESPN's Brett Okamoto, Nurmagomedov claimed that he already overcame the most dangerous bantamweight opponent by defeating Sandhagen:

"It's going to be cocky if I say [Dvalishvili] is easy money. I think he's not. Hes a good fighter. Hardest challenge in my division I think is Cory [Sandhagen]. This fight was hardest in my life."

Merab Dvalishvili's life-changing moment came against Sean O'Malley on September 14, 2024. Dvalishvili utilized his grappling skills to dominate O'Malley to a unanimous decision win, making him the new UFC bantamweight champion.

Watch Nurmagomedov's comments starting at 8:11 below:

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Merab Dvalishvili plans to "humble" Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 311

Merab Dvalishvili started the UFC 311 buildup with respect for Umar Nurmagomedov. The reigning bantamweight king has since become frustrated by Nurmagomedov's confidence, creating an intense rivalry between them.

Dvalishvili recently did an interview with UFC Espanol and had this to say about wanting to humble Nurmagomedov:

"Fight day, I will do my best to beat this undefeated guy. Make him humble because I feel he's just cocky. He's never been defeated before, he's acting like no one wants to fight with him and he's something untouchable. I'll show him the real level."

Umar Nurmagomedov has established a threatening presence in the UFC bantamweight division with six consecutive wins. On January 18, the undefeated Russian plans to continue his reign of terror by ending Merab Dvalishvili's impressive eleven-fight winning streak.

UFC 311 goes down inside the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California. The main event features a rematch between lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and title challenger Arman Tsarukyan, with the former winning their first meeting.

Watch Dvalishvili's comment about wanting to humble Nurmagomedov starting at 20:55 below: