Merab Dvalishvili to Defend Bantamweight Title Against Undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 311

Merab Dvalishvili (left), Umar Nurmagomedov (right)

The stage is set for a thrilling clash as UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili faces unbeaten challenger Umar Nurmagomedov in the co-main event of UFC 311. Scheduled for January 18 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, this bout marks Dvalishvili’s first title defense and serves as a high-stakes lead-up to the lightweight title rematch between Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan.

Merab Dvalishvili (18-4) enters UFC 311 on a remarkable 11-fight winning streak, a run of dominance that began in 2018. Known as “The Machine” for his relentless pace and grappling prowess, Dvalishvili captured the bantamweight title with a commanding unanimous decision victory over Sean O’Malley at UFC 306. His well-rounded skill set and unwavering cardio make him a formidable champion, but this title defense presents a unique challenge.

Umar Nurmagomedov (18-0) has stormed through the bantamweight division, maintaining an unblemished record. In August, he showcased his skill and endurance in a five-round unanimous decision win over Cory Sandhagen, his first headlining bout. Despite recently disclosing a fractured arm and doubts about his January availability, Nurmagomedov has confirmed his readiness to compete for the title in UFC’s first major pay-per-view event of 2025.

As a member of the storied Nurmagomedov fighting family, Umar’s grappling acumen and striking finesse mirror the legacy of his cousin, former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. His climb to a title shot has been swift but well-earned, making this clash one of the most anticipated matchups in the bantamweight division.

This battle pits Dvalishvili’s relentless pressure against Nurmagomedov’s tactical brilliance in a contest that could shape the future of the bantamweight division. With Dvalishvili’s title and streak on the line and Nurmagomedov chasing history as a potential unbeaten champion, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Can Dvalishvili remain “The Machine” that no one can stop, or will Umar Nurmagomedov seize the crown and extend his perfect record? Fans can’t afford to miss this electrifying co-main event at UFC 311.