Dvalishvili delaying title bout exhibits he’s ‘scared’

Umar Nurmagomedov is satisfied Merab Dvalishvili is ducking him.

Nurmagomedov (18-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) claimed the No. 1 contender spot when he defeated Cory Sandhagen in his first UFC headliner in August. One month later, Dvalishvili (18-4 MMA, 11-2 UFC) dethroned Sean O’Malley to develop into bantamweight champion at UFC 306.

Dvalishvili has been dismissing Nurmagomedov as a rightful contender since previous to even successful the title. Nurmagomedov thinks Dvalishvili refusing to acknowledge him isn’t a very good look, and claims Dvalishvili is purposely attempting to push for March – the place Nurmagomedov gained’t compete due to Ramadan.

“Merab is attempting to keep away from my title, attempting to inform me that I don’t deserve (a title shot),” Nurmagomedov instructed Kevin Iole. “Even when the UFC will ask him to struggle me or another person, I feel he’ll select another person 100 instances. He’s taking part in video games. They know that I can’t struggle in Ramadan and so they’re telling us we’re going to struggle in March. March is all Ramadan.

“It’s trying very dangerous. It’s trying like he’s attempting to keep away from (me), like he’s scared. I don’t perceive how the champion is attempting to keep away from, but when they gained’t struggle with me, I don’t wish to wait. Summer time: June, July, Could – I wish to struggle now. I wish to struggle after two months, earlier than Ramadan, and I wish to be energetic, and we’ll see what’s going to occur.”

Nurmagomedov’s endurance is operating skinny. He has already opted to stay energetic by reserving a grappling match Oct. 25 at ADXC 7, and is even considering taking one other struggle if Dvalishvili gained’t struggle him earlier than Ramadan.

“I wish to be energetic, and I wish to struggle earlier than Ramadan,” Nurmagomedov mentioned. “Perhaps January or December it’s going to be a very good time for me after which after Ramadan, we’ll see. Perhaps Merab fights another person and possibly he’ll lose, who is aware of.”

Nurmagomedov says he knew Dvalishvili would win the title if O’Malley couldn’t catch him.

“They’re each not superb,” Nurmagomedov mentioned. “O’Malley’s a bum in MMA. He doesn’t have any grappling. He doesn’t have any wrestling, and he didn’t even attempt to struggle him. He’s simply ready, he’s simply operating and he fights like a bum. Merab – he’s good. With Merab, it’s important to go forward and struggle. You may’t beat him while you’re operating from him.”