According to one UFC bantamweight legend, Umar Nurmagomedov possesses the best opportunity to halt the dominant run of `The Machine,` Merab Dvalishvili.
Merab Dvalishvili further cemented his dominant position in the 135-pound division, moving closer to potential `Greatest Of All Time` status during last Saturday`s pay-per-view co-main event.
At UFC 320, Dvalishvili secured his third title defense of 2025 by defeating Cory Sandhagen via decision. This latest display of dominance has led many to wonder who, if anyone, has the necessary skills to dethrone the reigning champion.
However, for former champion TJ Dillashaw, the solution might be found in the fighter who previously challenged Dvalishvili just nine months prior.
TJ Dillashaw Praises Umar Nurmagomedov`s Strategy Against Merab Dvalishvili
Speaking on the Jaxxon Podcast with `Rampage` Jackson, former titleholder TJ Dillashaw shared his thoughts on Dvalishvili`s third victory of the current year.
Dillashaw observed that many of Dvalishvili`s opponents err by failing to test the champion`s defensive grappling prowess.
This perspective makes Dillashaw particularly interested in a potential rematch between Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov, especially recalling how the Dagestani fighter actively sought takedowns in their January encounter at UFC 311.
“I think that’s a mistake a lot of guys make, that they’re not shooting on him,” Dillashaw said.
He elaborated, “Umar did, though. That’s why I want to see him fight Umar again because someone needs to take him down and hold him down. Who knows how good his bottom game is? I don’t know.”
Khabib Nurmagomedov Foresees Umar as a Future Pound-for-Pound King
The bantamweight contender has not seen action since his prior title loss, but he is slated to return to the octagon before the end of October. Umar Nurmagomedov is scheduled to face Mario Bautista at UFC 321, a matchup featuring two notable fighters who will precede the upcoming heavyweight title bout.
If the 29-year-old can demonstrate his ability to recover from this setback, his elder cousin, Khabib Nurmagomedov, firmly believes that a future of greatness awaits him. Indeed, Khabib envisions Umar as a potential pound-for-pound king.
During a Q&A session in New York City, shared by Red Corner MMA on X, Khabib stated, “On a high level, who can become pound-for-pound (number one)? I really believe Umar can be there too.”
He continued, “Umar’s situation right now, he’s dealing with a loss but, in 2015, Islam was in the same position. Today’s 2025 and he’s the best fighter on the earth.”
Khabib concluded, “We will see how he’s gonna deal with this (in his next fight). I don’t know, I don’t know because his name is Umar, my name is Khabib and we are completely different humans. But we will see the way how we’re gonna deal with his loss.”
