Umar Nurmagomedov misplaced one in every of his main weapons after struggling a damaged hand within the opening spherical in his title battle in opposition to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 311 on Saturday.
Whereas he’s not precisely certain when it occurred, Nurmagomedov is aware of his potential to throw punches together with his left hand was negated nearly instantly and that clearly affected him all through the battle. Finally, he lost a unanimous decision following a five-round battle.
Following the battle, Nurmagomedov eliminated his glove to indicate the injury accomplished in a photograph supplied to MMA Combating by his staff at Dominance MMA.
Nurmagomedov requires additional testing together with x-rays to raised perceive the total injury accomplished to his hand, however he’s clearly coping with important swelling within the rapid aftermath from his battle.
So far as his efficiency goes, Nurmagomedov nonetheless believes he must be leaving UFC 311 with the bantamweight title round his waist, though he plans to observe the battle again to totally grasp the whole lot that unfolded.
“I believe the primary spherical I received, the opposite [rounds] was shut,” Nurmagomedov advised UFC coloration commentator Joe Rogan instantly after the battle ended. “I don’t suppose I lose this battle however Alhamdulillah, any place, Alhamdulillah. After the primary spherical, I can’t punch as a result of I believe I broke my hand. The sport goes the opposite manner.
“Any place, Alhamdulillah, good or dangerous, I’ll say that, Alhamdulillah, thanks God. I would like to observe this video of my battle. I don’t suppose I lose this battle. I’m not arguing with the judges, I have to rewatch. I have to see all rounds. Nothing [surprised me], I knew he was a troublesome man. I broke my hand within the first spherical.”
Even in defeat, Nurmagomedov nonetheless made an admirable displaying in his first try at changing into UFC champion. He began the battle robust with a dynamic placing show by way of the primary two rounds whereas stuffing any makes an attempt from Dvalishvili to get him to the bottom.
As time handed, Dvalishvili’s tempo and strain began carrying on Nurmagomedov and by the fourth spherical, the reigning UFC bantamweight champion was surging whereas constructing his lead on the scorecards.
Ultimately, the judges gave Dvalishvili the battle with the scores studying 48-47, 48-47 and 49-46 as he retained the belt in his first title protection.
The loss may sting for now, but it surely’s powerful to think about Nurmagomedov received’t finally earn his manner again to a different title shot given his efficiency on Saturday and the Fight of the Night award he shares with Dvalishvili after UFC 311.
