Merab Dvalishvili has taken an unexpected step toward ending his long-running feud with Umar Nurmagomedov. The former bantamweight champion revealed that their relationship has improved ahead of his UFC 333 title fight against Petr Yan. The Merab Dvalishvili Umar Nurmagomedov Rivalry previously involved heated exchanges, accusations, and a physical altercation involving Umar’s friend. However, Dvalishvili now appears willing to move past those disagreements.
Merab Dvalishvili Umar Nurmagomedov Rivalry Takes Unexpected Turn
Merab Dvalishvili (21-5) recently arrived in Abu Dhabi to prepare for his upcoming UFC 333 championship fight. During fight week, the Georgian contacted his longtime friend and training partner Aljamain Sterling (25-5). He wanted to know whether he could train at Khabib Nurmagomedov’s gym before facing Petr Yan.
Sterling immediately questioned the idea because of Dvalishvili’s previous disagreements with Umar Nurmagomedov. The former champion had repeatedly criticized Umar following their January 2025 championship fight. However, Dvalishvili surprised Sterling by explaining that their relationship had improved.
“I’m good with Umar now. I don’t have anything,” Dvalishvili told Sterling.
The exchange suggests Dvalishvili no longer wants to continue their personal rivalry. However, neither fighter has publicly explained how they resolved their previous disagreements. Reports also have not confirmed whether Dvalishvili ultimately trained at the facility.
Why Did Merab Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov Have Problems?
The disagreement began before their bantamweight championship fight at UFC 311 in January 2025. Dvalishvili questioned whether Umar Nurmagomedov deserved an immediate opportunity to challenge for the title. He believed the Russian had benefited from his connection to former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Umar, who holds an 18-2 professional MMA record, entered their first meeting undefeated. His wrestling background and impressive UFC performances had established him among the division’s leading contenders. However, Dvalishvili argued that other fighters had accomplished more against established bantamweight opponents.
Their rivalry became increasingly personal as both fighters exchanged criticism during interviews. Dvalishvili also expressed frustration with Umar’s manager, Rizvan Magomedov, questioning his conduct during their disagreements. The tension continued even after they finally settled their championship contest inside the Octagon.
Dvalishvili Defeated Umar at UFC 311
Dvalishvili successfully defended his bantamweight championship against Umar at UFC 311 on January 18, 2025. The Georgian earned a unanimous decision after five competitive rounds. His relentless pressure and wrestling helped him overcome a difficult start against the previously undefeated challenger.
Umar later revealed that he had suffered a broken hand during the contest. He believed the injury affected his performance and repeatedly expressed interest in another championship opportunity. However, Dvalishvili resisted those calls and continued questioning whether his rival deserved an immediate rematch.
The disagreement remained active throughout the following year. Their relationship eventually deteriorated beyond ordinary competition, attracting attention whenever either fighter discussed the other publicly.
Rivalry Escalated After Real American Freestyle Altercation
The tension intensified during a Real American Freestyle event in Georgia in July 2026. Dvalishvili reportedly became involved in a confrontation with one of Umar’s friends following comments about his rival. The disagreement escalated into a physical altercation that attracted considerable attention within the MMA community.
The incident became another source of criticism between the two camps. Umar subsequently discussed what happened and questioned Dvalishvili’s conduct during the confrontation. His response suggested their disagreement had developed into something more personal than a championship rivalry.
The dispute continued through interviews and social media discussions during the following weeks. Earlier coverage of the Umar Nurmagomedov and Merab Dvalishvili feud examined how their relationship deteriorated following the Georgia incident.
However, Dvalishvili’s latest conversation with Sterling suggests that those tensions may have eased. His willingness to approach Khabib’s training facility represents a notable change from his previous attitude.
Merab Dvalishvili Shows Respect After Umar Nurmagomedov’s Knockout Loss
Dvalishvili had already shown signs of changing his attitude toward Umar before arriving in Abu Dhabi. The former champion reacted respectfully after Song Yadong knocked out the Russian at UFC Shanghai in August 2026. Rather than celebrating his rival’s defeat, Dvalishvili expressed concern about the stoppage.
He explained that he never enjoys watching another fighter suffer a serious knockout. Although he welcomed Song’s success, he avoided using Umar’s defeat to continue their personal disagreement. His reaction contrasted with several of his earlier comments about the Russian contender.
Dvalishvili also identified Song as a potential future opponent if he regains the bantamweight championship. The Chinese contender’s victory strengthened his position in the division and created another possible title matchup.
However, Dvalishvili must first defeat Petr Yan before pursuing another championship defense. His immediate attention remains on reclaiming the title he lost in December 2025.
Merab Dvalishvili Prepares for Petr Yan Trilogy at UFC 333
Dvalishvili will challenge Petr Yan (20-5) for the bantamweight championship at UFC 333 on October 24, 2026. Their third meeting will take place at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The matchup carries significant importance because both fighters have already secured one victory against each other.
Dvalishvili dominated their first encounter in March 2023 through aggressive wrestling and relentless pressure. He earned a unanimous decision after controlling much of the five-round contest. That victory played an important role in his eventual rise toward the UFC bantamweight championship.
However, Yan reversed the result during their rematch at UFC 323 in December 2025. The Russian controlled the striking exchanges and defended most of Dvalishvili’s takedown attempts. His unanimous decision victory ended the Georgian’s championship reign.
Their upcoming trilogy will determine who leaves Abu Dhabi holding the bantamweight championship. Dvalishvili believes a longer recovery period and improved preparation will help him deliver a stronger performance.
Could Training at Khabib’s Gym Help Dvalishvili?
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s training environment has developed a strong reputation for wrestling, grappling, and conditioning. Fighters associated with the former lightweight champion frequently emphasize positional control and disciplined preparation. Those qualities could prove valuable against an opponent who successfully neutralized Dvalishvili’s wrestling during their previous meeting.
Yan limited Dvalishvili to two successful takedowns from 29 attempts at UFC 323. The result exposed difficulties in the Georgian’s ability to impose his usual fighting style. Improving his wrestling effectiveness remains an important consideration before their third encounter.
However, Dvalishvili’s request does not establish that Khabib or his team agreed to train him. There is also no confirmation that he completed a session at the facility. For now, the approach primarily demonstrates an apparent improvement in his relationship with Umar’s camp.
The title fight remains part of the UFC 333 event in Abu Dhabi, which features two championship contests on October 24.
Final Thoughts
Merab Dvalishvili’s latest comments suggest that his rivalry with Umar Nurmagomedov may finally be coming to an end. Their disagreement lasted well beyond their UFC 311 championship fight and involved several heated exchanges. However, Dvalishvili now appears willing to leave those issues behind.
His attempt to arrange training at Khabib Nurmagomedov’s gym adds another interesting development before UFC 333. Although the training session remains unconfirmed, his willingness to approach Umar’s camp reflects a different attitude.
Dvalishvili must now focus on reclaiming the bantamweight championship against Petr Yan. A victory would restore his place at the top of the division and create several possible future matchups. Whether his improved relationship with Umar eventually leads to another fight remains uncertain.
FAQs About Merab Dvalishvili Umar Nurmagomedov Rivalry
1. Have Merab Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov ended their rivalry?
Merab Dvalishvili recently told Aljamain Sterling that he no longer has problems with Umar Nurmagomedov. However, neither fighter has publicly explained how they resolved their disagreements.
2. Why did Merab Dvalishvili want to train at Khabib’s gym?
Dvalishvili contacted Aljamain Sterling about potentially training at Khabib Nurmagomedov’s gym during UFC 333 fight week. He wanted access to the facility while preparing for Petr Yan.
3. Who won Merab Dvalishvili vs. Umar Nurmagomedov?
Merab Dvalishvili defeated Umar Nurmagomedov by unanimous decision at UFC 311 on January 18, 2025. The victory marked Umar’s first professional MMA defeat.
4. Did Merab Dvalishvili train at Khabib Nurmagomedov’s gym?
Dvalishvili asked about using the facility during his stay in Abu Dhabi. However, available reports have not confirmed that he actually trained there.
5. When is Merab Dvalishvili fighting Petr Yan again?
Merab Dvalishvili will face Petr Yan for the UFC bantamweight championship on October 24, 2026. Their trilogy takes place at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi.
