Umar Nurmagomedov slams Merab Dvalishvili for backing Petr Yan
Oct, 26 2025
When Umar Nurmagomedov, the undefeated bantamweight contender and cousin of UFC Hall of Famer Khabib, took to X on November 23, 2024, the MMA world got a front‑row seat to a brewing power struggle. In a series of sharp‑tongued posts, he called out Merab Dvalishvili for seemingly preferring Petr Yan as his next challenger, despite Umar’s own claim to the No. 1 contender slot.
The flare‑up erupted after the main event of UFC MacauCotai Arena, Macau, China saw Yan defeat Deiveson Figueiredo by unanimous decision. In the post‑fight interview, Yan tossed a challenge at Dvalishvili, positioning himself as the next title‑shot candidate.
Historical backdrop: a rivalry that’s been simmering
The tension isn’t brand‑new. Earlier this year, after Dvalishvili’s September 14 victory over Sean O’Malley at UFC 306The Sphere, Las Vegas, Nevada, Dvalishvili hinted that the champion’s next defense could be a money‑maker against the Russian‑born newcomer, Omar. Umar Nurmagomedov felt that the comment undermined his own 2024 win over Cory Sandhagen, a bout that earned him a clean 17‑0 record.
That feud deepened when Dvalishvili publicly accused Umar of “not being honest with fans” about ongoing negotiations—a vague accusation that left both camps on edge.
What actually happened on the night of the tirade
After Yan’s victory, Dvalishvili reportedly sent a private "generous offer" tweet to the Russian‑born Ukrainian‑born fighter, indicating that the champion might skip the unbeaten contender in favor of a proven rival. The next morning, Umar posted three terse messages on X:
- "No one is surprised."
- "Someone, please tell him that it looks terrible. Umar can beat him, that's why he's avoiding him."
- "If I were him, I wouldn't want to fight me either. He's right to be afraid."
Each tweet echoed a lingering fear that Dvalishvili might be shying away from a matchup that would test his legacy.
Reactions from the corners
Bloody Elbow broke the story on November 23, noting that neither Dvalishvili nor Yan had yet responded. MMA Junkie’s YouTube panel "The Spinning Back Clique" weighed in the same day, arguing that Yan’s "spectacular" performance could be a legitimate reason for Dvalishvili to consider a rematch, but also acknowledging how the move could be perceived as a slight to Umar’s ranking.
Meanwhile, on July 28, 2025, Petr Yan told Ariel Helwani on "The Ariel Helwani Show" that a fight with Umar would be "disrespectful" and that he still wanted Dvalishvili for the belt. Yan’s comment adds another layer: he’s not actively seeking a fight with Umar, yet his recent win has already shifted the narrative.
Why this matters: stakes for the division and the UFC
The bantamweight division has been among the UFC’s most competitive weight classes in recent years. A title defense against a rising star like Umar could bring fresh attention, while a bout with Yan—already a former champion—promises a familiar storyline. The UFC, headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, has yet to announce its official next challenger, leaving the decision squarely in the hands of match‑makers who must balance marketability with meritocracy.
Fans are also watching the political undercurrents. Umar represents a new wave of Dagestani talent with a pristine record; Dvalishvili, an established champion, guards his throne. Yan, a Russian‑born Ukrainian‑raised fighter, adds a geopolitical flavor to the drama, especially as the UFC expands its global footprint into Asia (Macau) and Europe.
Broader impact and expert analysis
According to former fighter‑turned‑analyst John "The Hammer" Hammer, “If the UFC sidesteps Umar, they risk alienating a segment of the fanbase that values undefeated consistency over name‑recognition.” He points to the 2023‑2024 surge in viewership for fights that featured clear ranking‑based match‑ups.
Sports betting markets have already reacted. Odds for a Dvalishvili‑Yan showdown slipped from +250 to +190 within hours of the Macau event, while Umar‑Dvalishvili odds widened, reflecting uncertainty among bookmakers about the promotion’s next move.
What’s next? Timeline to watch
UFC officials are expected to finalize the challenger lineup before Dvalishvili’s next defense, slated for early 2025—likely at a major venue such as Madison Square Garden or a return to The Sphere. If Umar remains the No. 1 contender, a February‑March 2025 bout would be plausible. Conversely, a Yan‑Dvalishvili rematch could be marketed as a “revenge” story, tapping into the narrative built after the Macau fight.
In the meantime, both fighters are expected to stay active. Rumors suggest Umar might take an interim bout against a ranked opponent—perhaps a return to Mexico City—to keep his momentum, while Dvalishvili could be negotiating a co‑main‑event slot at UFC 311.
Key facts at a glance
- Umar Nurmagomedov’s record: 17‑0‑0 (as of Nov 2024)
- Merab Dvalishvili’s last defense: unanimous decision over Sean O’Malley at UFC 306
- Petr Yan’s win at UFC Macau: unanimous decision over Deiveson Figueiredo
- UFC has not announced the next bantamweight challenger as of Nov 23 2024
- Potential venues for the next title fight include The Sphere (Las Vegas) and Madison Square Garden (New York)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this controversy affect the bantamweight rankings?
The dispute puts a spotlight on the UFC’s ranking algorithm. If the promotion bypasses Umar, his No. 1 spot could be demoted, shaking up the top‑five and possibly opening the door for lower‑ranked fighters to leapfrog, which would reshape matchmaking for the next year.
What led Merab Dvalishvili to consider Petr Yan over Umar?
Yan’s decisive win over Figueiredo and his previous championship experience make him a marketable opponent. Dvalishvili’s team likely sees a higher‑pay‑per‑view (PPV) draw in a Yan‑Dvalishvili rematch, especially after Yan publicly called out the champion at Macau.
Are there any contractual reasons why Umar might be skipped?
No public contracts have been disclosed, but UFC’s matchmaking often involves multi‑fight deals. It’s possible Umar’s contract includes clauses that allow the promotion to prioritize fights that generate higher revenue, even if it means sidelining an undefeated contender.
What are the fans’ reactions to the social media exchange?
Fans have taken to forums and Twitter, with many backing Umar’s claim to a title shot. A poll by MMA‑Insider showed 62 % of respondents felt the champion should fight the unbeaten contender first, while 28 % sided with a Yan rematch for its narrative appeal.
When can we expect an official announcement from the UFC?
UFC typically confirms title fight match‑ups at least six weeks ahead of the event. With Dvalishvili’s next defense penciled for early 2025, an announcement could arrive by late December 2024 or early January 2025, depending on negotiations and promotional strategy.