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Umar Nurmagomedov (18-1) has shared his take on the Merab Dvalishvili vs. Petr Yan rematch booked for UFC 323. Dvalishvili will attempt to make mixed martial arts history by becoming the new record holder for the most successful UFC title defenses in a single year. “The Machine” would further cement his legacy if he can pull it off on Dec. 6. Nurmagomedov, a rival of Dvalishvili, reacted to the news during an interview with Newsweek Sports. “I’m surprised, of course,” Nurmagomedov said. “It’s a lot of fights in one year. It’s too much. I think everybody’s surprised, but it’s his decision, and he can do whatever he wants. I wish them both to show a good fight. Who’s going to win? I don’t care. I want to fight with both.” INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 18: Umar Nurmagomedov of Russia looks on prior to his bantamweight title fight during UFC 311 at Intuit Dome on January 18, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) More News: Ilia Topuria Drops Update on Next Fight Overcoming First Defeat It was Dvalishvili who ended Nurmagomedov’s unbeaten streak back in January. In a hard-fought five-round UFC Bantamweight Championship fight, “The Machine” earned a close but unanimous decision victory. With a legendary team behind him, Nurmagomedov revealed whether or not he leaned on anyone specifically to help him move forward. “Nobody,” Nurmagomedov said. “By myself. It’s not something where somebody have to help you. You have to come back by yourself. If you don’t want to be there, nobody going to bring you. It’s a hard sport. Of course, everybody support me, but I have to come back by myself.” Nurmagomedov suffered a broken hand during the fight and needed surgery. He feels confident that he left no stone unturned during the recovery process. “After surgery, three days I began to do my cardio. I begin to run. I tried to do everything,” Nurmagomedov said. “I began to train two months after. After surgery, I start to recover my hand. Summer, I was in mountain. I’m in camp right now, I think five months. I’m in really good shape, and I think I’m ready.” Assessing Mario Bautista Nurmagomedov will get the opportunity to return to the win column at UFC 321 on Saturday. He will take on Mario Bautista (16-2) on the main card. Nurmagomedov wasn’t exactly surprised when he got the call to fight Bautista. “When he fought with Patchy Mix and they give him the victory, I thought they were going to [give him that fight] because he’s on a streak, like 8-0, and other guys busy,” Nurmagomedov said. “He will take the fight because he’s hungry. He want opportunity to fight somebody up a level, and I thought they were going to give me Bautista.” Nurmagomedov had praise for one key aspect of Bautista’s game. “He’s a good striker,” Nurmagomedov admitted. “I don’t see how he takes down guys or he mauls or do something, but in striking he moves a lot, and he’s good.” Issues With Merab Dvalishvili There was some tension in the buildup to the January encounter between Nurmagomedov and Dvalishvili. Even after the fight, “The Machine” is vowing to dominate his rival if they share the Octagon again. Nurmagomedov welcomes the chaos. “I don’t think we’re going to be friends,” Nurmagomedov said. “If he said he wants to smash me, okay. You have to try. I like this. To do this, he has to take this fight. Okay, we’re going to see who’s going to smash who.” Title Eliminator? Although his UFC 321 clash against Bautista could have major implications in the 135-pound weight class, Nurmagomedov isn’t expecting any promises in terms of another title shot. “You know, in UFC, nothing can guarantee you something,” Nurmagomedov said. “It always depends on something else. It’s going to depend on time, it depends on injured or not, and I will not wait. After that fight, I want to fight again in January or February. Doesn’t matter if it’s going to be for a title or it’s going to be some regular fight. I just want to be busy.” Islam Makhachev Goes For Another UFC Title Nurmagomedov has worked closely with Islam Makahchev throughout his fighting career. He is expecting Makhachev to secure gold in a second weight class when he challenges Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight title at UFC 322. “I think Islam’s going to beat him all five rounds,” Nurmagomedov said. “Or Islam’s going to choke him or do submission. Islam’s skills very high level, and I believe he will take this other belt.” As far as whether or not Makhachev can look even better at 17...
