Umar Nurmagomedov lost for the first time in his professional career, going down to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 311 on Saturday. With the defeat via decision, he has become the first from the Nurmagomedov clan to lose in professional mixed martial arts. Umar’s cousin and mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, had retired with a blemish-free record of 29-0, while his brother, PFL lightweight champion Usman, remains undefeated at 18-0.
Both Umar and Merab showcased impressive skills and relentless determination in Saturday’s high-energy clash for the UFC bantamweight belt.
The action seemed slow in the beginning when both men kept their distance from each other, testing the waters. But a minute or so into the first round, Umar landed a clean shot and a sharp left, while Merab responded with a powerful right and a leg kick. The change in the fight tempo was almost immediate.
Merab’s pressure led to some exchanges, while Umar kept things at bay with brilliant takedown defense. A rocking shot from Umar closed out the first round with a bang.
AND STILL #UFC311
Merab Dvalishvili ends Umar Nurmagomedov’s unbeaten run and defends his belt! pic.twitter.com/sUqDdinHNq
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) January 19, 2025
In the second, Umar took control while Merab pressed forward. The challenger landed some solid punches and even reversed a takedown to take Merab’s back briefly. The champion, as always, refused to stay down, and the exchanges continued.
By the end of the round, a cut had opened near Merab’s left eye. That seemed to fire up the champ even more. Merab came out with renewed vigor in the championship rounds, pushing the pace with relentless takedown attempts.
Umar’s striking was sharp, but his pace slowed as Merab’s pressure didn’t let up. Despite Umar’s strong takedown defense, Merab dictated terms with multiple shots at the legs.
By the final round, Umar was visibly tired while Merab, though slower, seemed energized seeing the challenger struggle. The champ showboated too. And Merab’s experience in five-round fights eventually proved to be the difference.
SHOWBOATING IN STYLE #UFC311 pic.twitter.com/uqZ7HVlaK3
— UFC (@ufc) January 19, 2025
Merab wasn’t even at 100%
Analyst Joe Rogan summed up the champion’s performance perfectly by lauding his will.
“Merab is a force of will unlike anything else,” said Rogan.
The bantamweight champion was ridiculed mercilessly in the lead-up to the fight by fans and followers who believed he was scared to fight Umar. However, Merab contended that Umar only got the title shot because of his illustrious surname.
“No one can take this from me! AND I made it look easy!” @MerabDvalishvil kept his belt after that incredible performance! #UFC311 pic.twitter.com/zxaIFxwlOO
— UFC (@ufc) January 19, 2025
Merab had even stated that a win over him would be a win over the Nurmagomedov clan. He has managed to do exactly that at UFC 311. And it turns out Merab wasn’t even completely fit going into the fight.
The 34-year-old Georgian was struggling with an infection in his leg and a lower back issue in the build-up. However, when Merab learned that the UFC needed him to step up and defend his belt, he couldn’t say no.
In the post-bout interview, Merab reiterated that his “old-school” work ethic gave him an edge over Umar in the title fight.
“Umar is a tough fighter. And he is good,” said Merab. “But he called me old. Yes, I am old. But I am working every day. I am a harder worker. I believe in old-school hard work. And people, don’t let them bully you. Don’t let anyone underestimate you.”
Well, after Saturday night’s victory, and the clinical display of fight control, no one is likely to underestimate Merab ever again.
