Merab Dvalishvili was crowned the UFC’s new bantamweight champion after a dominant decision win over Sean O’Malley at UFC 306 on Saturday night, and now Umar Nurmagomedov is hoping to be lined up as the next title challenger.
“I think I’m next, I hope they will not avoid and run,” Nurmagomedov said after Dvalishvili’s win. “They have to be true champion and don’t choose opponents. See you soon guys, see you soon.”
The 28-year-old Nurmagomedov’s form is undeniably impressive, holding an undefeated 18-0 record, including six wins in the UFC so far.
It could be argued that he hasn’t fought the toughest competition at 135lbs, although following wins over the likes of Raoni Barcelos, Nate Maness and Brian Kelleher, Nurmagomedov took a big step up last time out when he faced Cory Sandhagen and convincingly emerged with a unanimous decision victory.
That win propelled Nurmagomedov high up the rankings to the No.2 spot, in similar fashion to when O’Malley took a big leap up the pecking order after beating Petr Yan.
However, newly crowned champ Dvalishvili appears unconvinced that Nurmagomedov should be the first challenger for his title, suggesting former flyweight champ Deiveson Figueireo instead.
“Whoever they want, I will fight next, but I want to talk to Dana, I want to become his friend… I want to fight the top of the top, you know,” Dvalishvili said after the fight. “I think Figueredo would be my fifth champion, he is more dangerous, knockout power, good Jiu-Jitsu makes people [go to] sleep.
“That’s why this fight excites me, gives me motivation, makes me work hard… Umar is okay but I’m telling you guys, from the top 15 he’s only won one fight.”
