Merab wants ex-flyweight in first UFC title defense, tells thirsty Umar Nurmagomedov to go fight Petr Yan

No. 2-ranked bantamweight title contender, Umar Nurmagomedov, wants to fight Merab Dvalishvili for the 135-pound strap when the newly-crowned “Machine” makes his first division title defense at some point in early 2025.

The feeling does not appear to be mutual.

Instead, Dvalishvili is calling for a bantamweight showdown against No. 5-ranked Deiveson Figueiredo, the former flyweight champion who jumped to 135 pounds after failing to retain his strap across a series of fights opposite Brandon Moreno.

“Whoever they want, I will fight next, but I want to talk to Dana,” Dvalishvili said at the UFC 306 post-fight press conference (watch it here). “I want to fight the top of the top, you know? I think Figueiredo would be my fifth champion, he is more dangerous, knockout power, good jiu-jitsu, makes people sleep. That’s why this fight excites me, gives me motivation, makes me work hard. Umar … is okay but I’m telling you guys, from the Top 15, he only win one fight. Maybe [Umar should fight] against Petr Yan.”

Yan is ranked No. 3 at bantamweight but has dropped three of his last four.

Nurmagomedov is a perfect 18-0 and is just one month removed from his unanimous decision victory over No. 4-ranked Cory Sandhagen. Expect matchmakers to sort through some of the 135-pound clutter and make a decision in the next few weeks.

For more UFC 306 results and fallout click here.