Merab's Pace Will Not Be Beaten: The Relentless Machine Defeats Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 311
At UFC 311, Merab Dvalishvili once again proved why he is one of the most relentless forces in the bantamweight division, defeating the highly touted Umar Nurmagomedov in a five-round war. From the opening bell, Dvalishvili’s unrelenting pace, suffocating wrestling, and endless gas tank overwhelmed Nurmagomedov, securing him a unanimous decision victory (48-47, 48-47, 49-46) and extending his record-breaking dominance in the division.
Many experts saw this fight as a test of who could impose their style first. Nurmagomedov, undefeated heading into the bout, boasted a Sambo-based grappling approach with slick striking that had many believing he could be the next dominant champion. However, Dvalishvili was undeterred by the hype. He knew that his pressure, durability, and endless cardio would be key in breaking down his opponent over five rounds.
From the start, Dvalishvili dictated the pace, forcing Nurmagomedov to defend relentless takedown attempts. While Umar had moments of success, particularly in the early rounds where his counter-striking kept Dvalishvili honest, the Georgian never slowed down. He continued to chain wrestle, transition, and make Nurmagomedov work at an exhausting rate.
Dvalishvili, already known for setting the bantamweight record for takedowns, shattered another UFC milestone in this bout. By the end of the fight, he had accumulated over 91 successful takedowns in his UFC career, surpassing Georges St-Pierre's long-standing record. This relentless approach kept Nurmagomedov on the defensive, neutralizing his striking and offensive wrestling.
Despite Umar’s attempts to find openings and counter, Dvalishvili’s pressure proved insurmountable. By the championship rounds, Nurmagomedov was visibly fatigued, while Merab looked as if he could go another five rounds without slowing down. The judges awarded Dvalishvili the decision, cementing his place as the number-one contender in the bantamweight division.
With this victory, Dvalishvili has undeniably earned his shot at the bantamweight championship. Whether he faces Sean O’Malley, Aljamain Sterling, or another top contender, one thing is clear: his pace and pressure will be a nightmare for anyone in the division.
As for Nurmagomedov, this loss, while disappointing, is likely to serve as a learning experience. The Dagestani fighter showed flashes of brilliance, and at just 27 years old, he has plenty of time to regroup and climb his way back into title contention.
For now, however, UFC fans and fighters alike must acknowledge a hard truth: Merab’s pace is unmatched, and until someone proves otherwise, his relentless pressure will continue to break the will of his opponents. UFC 311 was yet another testament to the Georgian machine’s dominance, and the bantamweight division has officially been put on notice.
