Umar Nurmagomedov has his crosshairs on the UFC bantamweight championship and plans to claim it in 2026.
The Russian fighter will be entering the octagon later this week at UFC 324 opposite Deiveson Figueiredo. If Umar manages to get past ‘Deus da Guerra,’ he plans on fighting for the belt next.
However, if Sean O’Malley earns a title shot by getting past Song Yadong at UFC 324, Umar has made it clear he doesn’t want to sit idle. He wants to fight again in the meantime, ideally headlining an event, and is also open to running it back with Merab Dvalishvili.
‘Suga,’ one of the UFC’s biggest stars, who has ‘Dana White privilege,’ previously called out current and two-time UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan.
Umar Nurmagomedov wants a rematch with Merab Dvalishvili if Sean O’Malley fights for the title next
Recently, Umar Nurmagomedov, while discussing Merab Dvalishvili’s title loss at UFC 323, added that he is not expecting a title shot even if he wins this Saturday. Therefore, if Sean O’Malley fights for the title next, Umar will seek a rematch with ‘The Machine.’
He said:
“My prediction is that after that fight, they will not [give me a title shot.] I am not expecting that, but I will be ready to fight again. Doesn’t matter how many times. I have to fight for the title in 2026. Inshallah, that is the goal. Maybe we will fight in the main event in Abu Dhabi in the summer. Why not? If O’Malley will fight for the title next, it’s gonna be even better for me. I’m gonna do a rematch with Merab.” [h/t: TNT Sports]
Check out Umar Nurmagomedov’s comments in the second slide below:
Merab Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov locked horns last year at UFC 311, where ‘The Machine’ cruised to a unanimous decision victory by outclassing the Russian both on the feet and on the ground. The Georgian showcased elite cardio, strong takedown defense, and even landed takedowns of his own. Umar broke his hand during the bout, which he later claimed was the reason why he couldn’t deliver.
While a rematch could be interesting, Dvalishvili will most likely get a title rematch on his return to settle his trilogy with Yan, which is currently tied.
Merab Dvalishvili has no interest in fighting Umar Nurmagomedov again
‘The Machine’ made three successful title defenses in 2025. In his fourth defense, to create history, the Georgian met Petr Yan in a rematch and lost by unanimous decision. However, given how active he was last year, the promotion has promised him a rematch wherever he is ready.
On the other hand, several MMA pros have asked Dvalishvili to take ample rest before entering the octagon this time.
O’Malley earning a title shot next is an unlikely scenario. That being said, a rematch between Umar and Dvalishvili is also not in the cards anytime soon, as ‘The Machine’ has made it clear that he has no interest in running it back with the Russian contender.
