Umar Nurmagomedov wants Merab Dvalishvili rematch but 'not holding onto it emotionally'
Umar Nurmagomedov wants Merab Dvalishvili rematch but 'not holding onto it emotionally'
Umar Nurmagomedov has his eyes on the UFC bantamweight title – whether or not Merab Dvalishvili is champion.
Nurmagomedov (18-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) suffered his first-career loss when he was outlasted by Dvalishvili at UFC 311 in January. He broke his hand early in the fight – an injury that required surgery.
"I want the rematch," Nurmagomedov said in an interview with Adam Zubayraev (h/t Red Corner MMA). "I want to prove that my broken hand was a factor, that it could have ended differently. Even if we don't meet again or he retires, I still plan to become champion. If the rematch never happens, it won't be a tragedy for me. I'm not holding onto it emotionally."
Nurmagomedov won the first two rounds on two of the three judges' scorecards but ultimately lost a close decision. Dvalishvili (20-4 MMA, 13-2 UFC) has since submitted Sean O'Malley at UFC 316 to notch his second title defense.
"I've hit Merab clean myself. He didn't even flinch," Nurmagomedov said. "Tough guy. He's really hard to knock out. He's got cardio for days, and he's just got brute strength. It's not like he's got advanced grappling skills or submissions – he can't even hold people down properly. He just overwhelms."
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