Merab Dvalishvili defended the belt for the first time. Photo: Reproduction X/UFC News
Merab Dvalishvili defended the bantamweight belt (up to 61,2 kg) for the first time with an entertainment show at UFC 311, in Inglewood, California (USA). With the clear need to show vigor, the champion saw Umar Nurmagomedov 'die on gas'. However, the challenger sold the victory dearly by unanimous decision (48 47, 48-47, 49-46).
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With victory, Merab Dvalishvili He has now won 19 fights in his career, with only four losses. This is the 12th consecutive time that the Georgian has won in the UFC.
Umar Nurmagomedov knew the taste of defeat for the first time. Now, the cartel of the cousin of Khabib Nurmagomedov has 18 wins and one loss.
Balanced clash
The fight began with study and without attacks. The first to take a risk was Umar Nurmagomedov with high kicks that didn't connect. Davlishvili hit his opponent's head with his hand in response. Umar tried to take advantage of some of the Georgian's attacks to take him down, but to no avail. A flying knee from Khabib's cousin went wide and stopped on the fence. The challenger landed some powerful punches. The fight continued with intense action until the end of the first round.
The second half of the fight began with a lot of exchanges. Strong blows landed on both sides. Merab tried clinch, but Umar defended well. Dvalishvili still tried the single leg, failed and the Dagestani took his opponent down. There was no progress on the ground. Standing, attempts in the void became opportunities for the opponent. Nothing was lost. As they fenced in the last minute, mutual knees caused damage. Umar connected good punches at the end of the round.
Merab Dvalishvili tried a few times to take Umar down with great determination, but without success. The Russian's strikes connected more clearly. The takedown entries through single leg were ineffective for the Georgian. In the middle of the round, the athletes went into a frank exchange, but without any force. Nurmagomedov took his opponent to the fence, who felt comfortable enough to talk to those outside the ring. cage. At the end of the third round, the challenger managed to take Merab down, but was unable to keep him on the ground.
In the fourth round, Merab's first attacks were through the single leg and he managed to take Umar to the ground twice. But Nurmagomedov got up quickly on both occasions. Umar's high kicks connected, but the Georgian seemed not to feel it. Merab's punches found his opponent's face. The challenger's fatigue was clear. Dvalishvili took the fight to the ground, close to the fence. At the end of the round, the champion caused damage with his knee.
The last five minutes started with a mind game Merab Dvalishvili call the fans to the fight. After attacks, Merab took his opponent to the fence, but to no avail. Nurmagomedov tried hard not to be taken down. Umar's kicks hit the Georgian and straight shots found the challenger's face. The Russian's jabs and crosses didn't land. When he took down Nurmagomedov in the last minute, Merab called the fans once again, putting on an entertaining show. In the end, Dvalishvili seemed calm and rested and Umar was exhausted.
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