T.J. Dillashaw thinks that with some adjustments, Umar Nurmagomedov can dethrone UFC champion Merab Dvalishvili.
Dvalishvili (20-4 MMA, 13-2 UFC) continued his tear through the bantamweight division when he submitted Sean O’Malley to notch his second title defense earlier this month at UFC 316. Dvalishvili is expected to face Cory Sandhagen next, although Dillashaw thinks the champion’s style would be Sandhagen’s kryptonite.
So, who can beat Dvalishvili? Dillashaw says Nurmagomedov (18-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) can after giving him a competitive fight at UFC 311. Nurmagomedov won the first two rounds on two of the three judges’ scorecards before Dvalishvili rallied to beat him by unanimous decision.
“I think Umar could have beat Merab,” Dillashaw said on the JAXXON Podcast. “I think when he fights him the second time, he’s going to understand the push he’s going to have to have to win that title. I think Umar can beat him. Sandhagen, I would love to see that fight next. I would obviously love to see (Aljamain) Sterling fight him just I think it would be sick, and I think like Sterling can give him a serious test and possibly beat him.”
Dvalishvili refused to fight Aljamain Sterling when Sterling held the bantamweight title. Dillashaw thinks friendships should be put to the side when it comes to the UFC title.
“I would love to see Merab and Sterling fight,” Dillashaw said. “They could make so much money. I understand that (they’re best friends), but you’re getting paid, who gives a sh*t? He (Sterling) should come back down. You’re here to get paid, I don’t know, I think it would be an awesome story.”
Dillashaw fought his former teammate Cody Garbrandt in two UFC bantamweight title fights, but it was after their relationship soured when Dillashaw parted ways with Team Alpha Male.
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