This year, Islam Makhachev cemented his legacy as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history. After vacating his lightweight title, he dominated welterweight
Merab Dvalishvili is eyeing new opponents for 2026. ‘The Machine’ will break new ground at UFC 323 this Saturday, becoming the first champion to defend his title four times within a single calendar year.
Merab Dvalishvili wants to fight fresh faces in 2026. The Georgian star is set to make history at UFC 323 this Saturday, as he becomes the first champion to defend their title four times in a single calendar year.
Merab Dvalishvili has moved past most rivalries, such as former Bantamweight Champion Sean O’Malley. But when it comes to Umar Nurmagomedov, things are a lot more personal.
The buzz around UFC 324, reportedly scheduled for January 24, 2026, is heating up. Among the potential showstoppers are top bantamweight matchups. Recent reports suggest that either Sean O’Malley or Umar Nurmagomedov might be booked against a top 5 bantamweight at UFC 324.
The stakes could be high at 135 pounds when the UFC arrives on Paramount+ in 2026. While the promotion still has one final pay-per-view this year before adopting a new model as part of the UFC’s new $7.7 billion broadcast deal, many have already been discussing the first big card of the new year.
Dana White was a spectator inside the Octagon at UFC 322. Khabib Nurmagomedov had a front-row seat at Saturday’s pay-per-view in New York City as Islam Makhachev made history in the main event.
After UFC 321, Umar Nurmagomedov has made it clear he wants another shot at Merab Dvalishvili. Umar Nurmagomedov returned to the win column at UFC 321, nine months after suffering the first loss of his professional career.
“Go out there and make it. Go out there and put on a show on Saturday that makes people go, ‘Damn! One of these fighters should be fighting for the title next.” – This was Dana White’s condition to Umar Nurmagomedov ahead of UFC 321.
After Khabib Nurmagomedov’s retirement from MMA, his close friend and longtime training partner, Islam Makhachev, carried the Dagestani legacy forward in dominant fashion.
UFC 321 presented a tale of two very different nights for the fighter camps involved. For Tom Aspinall, the event ended in heartbreak as his heavyweight title defense was ruled a no-contest with just 25 seconds left in the opening round.
The tension around UFC 321 was not restricted to the Octagon; it also spread online, thanks to Paddy Pimblett. Fans expected a statement performance from Umar Nurmagomedov, who made his long-awaited return with a unanimous decision victory over Mario Bautista.
The post-fight atmosphere at UFC 321 was electrifying—not just for the bantamweight bout, but also for a family reunion of sorts. Umar Nurmagomedov‘s successful return sparked high hopes, with cousin Usman Nurmagomedov by his side to provide calm amid the chaos.
ABU DHABI — Umar Nurmagomedov leaned on signature chain wrestling and top control to shut down Mario Bautista, earning a unanimous decision (30–27, 30–27, 30–27) on the UFC 321 main card at Etihad Arena.
What’s a sport if it doesn’t provide laughter and enjoyment? As UFC 321: Aspinall vs. Gane approached the finals, fans were treated to an array of edge-of-the-seat fights.
Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov may have stepped away from fighting in 2020, but his presence in the sport remains as strong as ever.
Aside from Tom Aspinall’s long-awaited return to defend his undisputed heavyweight title after 14 months, UFC 321 will also mark the comeback of Umar Nurmagomedov, who returns to action after a 10-month layoff.
When two athletes of similar caliber face off, outcomes become unpredictable, highlighting the depth of the division. This dynamic often generates anticipation and affects rankings and title trajectories.
The bantamweight division takes centre stage at UFC 321 as Umar Nurmagomedov looks to continue his march towards another title shot with a win against red-hot contender Mario Bautista.
It's not Vinicius Oliveira vs. the world, it's Oliveira vs. the Nurmagomedovs. A top prospect in the UFC bantamweight division - Oliveira made that very clear with a decision effort over Said Nurmagomedov, his third-straight victory since signing to the promotion off Dana White's Contender Series.
Umar Nurmagomedov got off to a good start in the UFC 311 bantamweight title fight against champion Merab Dvalishvili, but things quickly went south. "Young Eagle" suffered a broken hand in the opening round changing the way he approached the rest of the match.
Saturday night on the prelims of UFC 311, we are going to see one of the best prospects in the sport face his toughest test to date inside the octagon.
Tomorrow night in the co-main event of UFC 311, the bantamweight title is on the line. The two most dominant forces in the bantamweight division will clash as the champion Merab Dvalishvili (18-4) takes on his toughest test in the undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov (18-0).
Undefeated bantamweight contender Umar Nurmagomedov will fight for the undisputed championship against titleholder Merab Dvalishvili in the UFC 311 co-main event on Jan.
Finally, UFC Bantamweight Champion Merab Dvalishvili has agreed to take on Umar Nurmagomedov. UFC president Dana White announced that the two will meet in the co-main event at UFC 311 on Jan. 18 in Los Angeles’s Intuit Dome.