Umar Nurmagomedov to Merab Dvalishvili: ‘Stop crying’

Umar Nurmagomedov has fired back at Merab Dvalishvili.

Dvalishvili claimed that Nurmagomedov (18-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC), the cousin of UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov, is getting pushed by the UFC due to his family name. He took umbrage with Nurmagomedov’s quick rise up the bantamweight ladder, where he now finds himself No. 1 contender after just one ranked win over Cory Sandhagen in Saturday’s UFC on ABC 7 main event.

Dvalishvili (17-4 MMA, 10-2 UFC) needed to beat former champions Jose Aldo, Petr Yan and Henry Cejudo before getting his title shot. However, Nurmagomedov argues that he’s not the only fighter to jump the rankings to a title shot.

Bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley went from a no contest against Pedro Munhoz to a split decision win over Petr Yan before getting his title shot.

“Yan fought for title after 6 win. O’Malley after 4 win. Merab could fight for title with Aljo last year. You have to stop crying. You just scared that I will take everything from you.”

Yan fought for title after 6 win
Omaley after 4 win
Merab could fight for title with Aljo last year.
You have to Stop crying
You just scared that I will take everything from you.

— Umar Nurmagomedov (@UNmgdv) August 6, 2024

Dvalishvili challenges bantamweight champion O’Malley (17-1 MMA, 10-1 UFC) in the UFC 306 main event Sept. 14 at Sphere in Las Vegas. Nurmagomedov is expected to face the winner.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ABC 7.