Merab Dvalishvili retains UFC bantamweight title with unanimous-decision win over Umar Nurmagomedov

Umar Nurmagomedov lost to Merab Dvalishvili by unanimous decision at UFC 311 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. Dvalishvili retained the UFC bantamweight title on all three judges’ scorecards. Nurmagomedov, 30, broke his hand during the fight.

He has since won his next two bouts to reach a professional record of 20-1. Nurmagomedov told Adam Zubayraev that a rematch with Dvalishvili is his priority. “Honestly, the only thing I need from this sport is a rematch (against Dvalishvili),” he said.

He added that he would choose the rematch over a title opportunity. I’d want the rematch,” Nurmagomedov stated. Nurmagomedov said the broken hand affected the outcome and that he remains curious about how the fight would have gone without the injury.

He referenced Petr Yan’s two bouts against Dvalishvili, noting that some observers dismissed Yan’s first-fight loss as an excuse until the rematch showed otherwise. Dvalishvili is expected to challenge Petr Yan next. Nurmagomedov is reportedly scheduled to face Song Yadong.

Nurmagomedov had been set to meet David Martinez in Abu Dhabi in July 2026, but an injury forced the cancellation of that bout.