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.