Merab Dvalishvili’s head coach on facing 18-0 Umar Nurmagomedov next for the UFC title… ‘We’re going to do just fine’

Whilst the newly crowned bantamweight champion would much rather face former flyweight king Deiveson Figueiredo, the UFC is likely going to move in a different direction for The Machine’s first title defense.

That direction will likely come in the form of 18-0 undefeated contender Umar Nurmagomedov; yet with the 18-0 Russian also being a grappling specialist, how do their coaches feel about such a stylistically similar matchup?

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLCHead coach John Wood on fighting 18-0 Umar Nurmagomedov for UFC titleFollowing his dominant display in Las Vegas, Merab Dvalishvili has been steadfast in his desire to face ‘Figgy’ in his first UFC title defense, although the promotion will more than likely move to make the fight with Nurmagomedov next.

Head coach John Wood isn’t worried about his new UFC champion clashing with someone so similar in style and skill, telling MMAFighting earlier today how he’s looking forward to the matchup so that they can show the next step in The Machine’s evolution.  

“I’m good with it because that version of Merab that you saw the other night is only going to be better with that much more time – I don’t fear anybody out there… Umar is obviously a specialist on the ground and that presents an interesting dynamic to gameplan for because that kind of cancels out.”

Given how both Dvalishvili and Nurmagomedov are known for their relentless pressure, wrestling-heavy style and insane cardio; it’s no surprise that many within the MMA community are viewing this as a 50/50 fight – but not coach Wood.

“I think Merab has what it takes to beat Umar, I think Umar does the same thing where he wears on people and eventually catches them in something, he’s got good striking, obviously excellent grappling but I just don’t think he’ll be able to keep the pace.

“That’s the one thing for anyone who steps in there with him [Merab], it just feels different; the movement and the timing – I think we’re going to do just fine against Umar, if that’s the next fight.”

Despite coach Wood noting that “it’s probably more dangerous than everybody’s thinking,” he believes that fans are starting to come to terms with the fact that Dvalishvili shines brightest when people pick against him.

SUGA: Sean O’Malley provides an update on when he will return following title loss at UFC 306“We’re going to go out there and do what we always do, and I think it’s a good match up… He’s just a guy who people love to bet against… The dude is getting better everywhere, and I just don’t think that betting against him is a smart bet anymore.”

Now that we’ve heard from one of the two coaches, let’s hear from one of the MMA veterans who has helped catapult Umar Nurmagomedov to the top of the UFC bantamweight tree.

Umar Nurmagomedov’s coach breaks down title fight with Merab DvalishviliSpeaking to Submission Radio after UFC 306, coach Javier Mendez could barely contain his excitement about the possibility of facing Dvalishvili next – although he believes that Nurmagomedov has the edge in terms of grappling.

“That fight looks fantastic because that fight is going to be fought everywhere. It’s going to be fought in the standup, it’s going to be fought on the ground, I believe we’re sharper in the standup and we’re sharper on the ground.”

Whilst coach Mendez acknowledged that Merab’s incredible cardio is “a big part of his advantage” over Nurmagomedov, that doesn’t mean that the 18-0 Russian isn’t also able to go five hard rounds.

“If you’re going to go with him and it’s going to go five rounds, you’ve got to be prepared to go five hard first rounds because that’s what this guy is all about. He’s the Cain Velasquez of the bantamweight division.”

But when would coach Mendez like to see the bantamweight title fight put together?

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“I want it to be in Abu Dhabi, and the next one after Khamzat fights Whittaker, I want the next show in Abu Dhabi to be Umar vs Merab… Another one that would be great, is if Islam gets cleared to start training if they can do a double title in Abu Dhabi – wouldn’t that be something.”

Speculation is that the UFC will be returning to the region in early 2025.

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