Reigning UFC bantamweight kingpin Merab Dvalishvili just lately appeared on the Pound 4 Pound podcast and revealed his combat plans for 2026. ‘The Machine’ additionally took a dig at his former opponent, Umar Nurmagomedov.
Dvalishvili has defended his strap 3 times already in 2025. He first beat Umar in January, then submitted Sean O’Malley in a rematch in June, and made a fast turnaround to beat Cory Sandhagen in October. ‘The Machine’ will defend his gold for the fourth time in 2025 as he pursues the UFC file of fourth profitable title protection inside a calendar yr. He’ll tackle Petr Yan at UFC 323 in a rematch.
Forward of the bout, ‘The Machine’ spoke with Henry Cejudo and Kamaru Usman. He mentioned why he must defeat Yan once more:
“He’s from Russia, I’m from Georgia. Each time we’ve got a contest towards the Russians, we’ve got to win.”
Even prior to now, the 34-year-old had cited the same reason to Daniel Cormier, whereas explaining why he hates ‘No Mercy.’
“I don’t like Petr Yan… He’s Russian proper? Russia has occupied my nation’s territory, and it’s private for me. When everytime we combat towards the Russians, we’re at all times attempting to win. If I’ve to combat him, I’ve two decisions. Win towards him, or if I lose, I gotta ok*ll myself.”
Coming to his 2026 plans, the Georgian phenom stated:
“I wish to combat in March. I hope I’ll get this White Home combat [as well].”
Coming to Umar, and what he hates in regards to the latter, Dvalishvili added:
“What sort of man are you when any individual tweets for you? He known as me a pretend champion, and I’m accomplished with him. Subsequent query, please.”
Try Merab Dvalishvili’s feedback beneath:
Umar Nurmagomedov thinks Petr Yan has an opportunity to beat Merab Dvalishvili in UFC 323 rematch
Umar Nurmagomedov most just lately secured a dominant determination victory over Mario Bautista. After the win, he issued a robust warning to Merab Dvalishvili, saying he’s ‘coming for the belt.’
The primary time ‘The Machine’ fought Umar, the latter broke his hand in the course of the combat, which he says was the explanation for his subpar efficiency. Umar needs a primary contender combat early in 2026 earlier than the potential Dvalishvili rematch. The Russian fighter additionally weighed in on the impending UFC 323 headliner. Throughout an interview with Mike Bohn, he stated:
“I believe sure. He’s [Petr Yan] excellent on these arms, and he has at all times any fighter has an opportunity at all times. Simply is dependent upon how he’ll cease the takedowns. He’s actually athletic, they each are good, and we are going to see what occurs.”
Try Umar Nurmagomedov’s feedback beneath (10:01):
