Merab Dvalishvili accuses UFC of Nurmagomedov nepotism

"Professor Dvalishvili" delivered a detailed lesson on bantamweight history. He first pointed out that in his 11-fight winning streak, he’s taken down four former champions: Sean O’Malley, Henry Cejudo, Petr Yan, and José Aldo.

Dvalishvili next extolled Yan’s history of beating top-ranked fighters like Deiveson Figueiredo, Song Yadong, Cory Sandhagen and Aldo — as well as losing a split decision to O’Malley.

Then, he highlighted Umar Nurmagomedov’s resume, claiming that the Dagestani’s only notable opponent, Sandhagen, was a gift from the UFC. The professor also reminded viewers that while he was willing to be a backup to O’Malley and Marlon Vera at UFC 299, Nurmagomedov refused to do so for Dvalishvili and O’Malley at UFC 306.

Dvalishvili ended his presentation with a strong statement on Nurmagomedov:

“I mean, this guy wants [a] title shot served to his bed like a breakfast. Biggest lesson here — Umar, get to work. You’re not my level. Earn your title shot like [the] rest of us whose last names don’t get gifts.”

The Machine may be right about Nurmagomedov’s rise to No. 2 bantamweight contender after only six fights. He even has support from middleweight Robert Whittaker, who wants to see Yan challenge for the bantamweight belt next.

However, Dvalishvili’s constant arguments against Nurmagomedov seem to indicate fear. And that’s a terrible look for the Georgian.

As William Shakespeare might say were he alive and covering the UFC, “Merab doth protest too much, methinks.”