"Your words own you” - Umar Nurmagomedov issues cold response to Merab Dvalishvili threatening to slap him over “disrespect"

Umar Nurmagomedov will challenge Merab Dvalishvili for the bantamweight title at UFC 311 on Jan. 18. Tensions between the pair are at an all-time high one week out from their clash, as the 135-pound champion believes his opponent has disrespected him numerous times in the build-up to their fight.

Dvalishvili secured the bantamweight throne after defeating Sean O'Malley at Noche UFC 306 in September. Nurmagomedov was already identified as the next title challenger and was shown on the jumbotron at Sphere following the Georgian's title victory.

But 'The Machine' remained adamant that the Dagestani fighter had not done enough to deserve a title fight. Dvalishvili's stance led to accusations that he was avoiding a bout with Nurmagomedov from the title challenger himself.

The bantamweight champion took his upcoming opponent's comments as "disrespect" and has threatened to slap 'Young Eagle', even after the fight, if he doesn't apologize for his words.

During a recent interview with Shakiel Mahjouri, Nurmagomedov was informed of Dvalishvili's threat, and he responded with this:

"We're gonna see how he's gonna do it. You know, you own your words before you say them. After that, your words own you. What you say, that owns you. We're gonna see how he's gonna do this."

Check out Umar Nurmagomedov's response to Merab Dvalishvili below (4:25):

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

Merab Dvalishvili has grown irate following comments made by his upcoming opponent, Umar Nurmagomedov. 'The Machine' has accused Nurmagomedov of disrespecting both him and the people of Georgia, much to the confusion of the title challenger and his team.

The bantamweight champion has labeled 'Young Eagle' as cocky ahead of their fight and hopes to knock the 29-year-old down a few pegs when they do battle.

Dvalishvili was interviewed by UFC Espanol ahead of his UFC 311 clash with Nurmagomedov, where he said this:

"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 [that] he's something untouchable. I'll show him the real level."

He added:

"I met him a couple of months ago, maybe a year ago. I had a very friendly conversation with him. I was very respectful, and he told me, 'You are old. It's now my time. You've got to go.' I'm like, 'Bro what are you talking about?"

Check out Merab Dvalishvili's comments about Umar Nurmagomedov below (20:55):