RANT SPORTS – Aliskerov: Dvalishvili Couldn’t Do Anything Against Nurmagomedov in the First Two Rounds
UFC middleweight fighter Ikram Aliskerov recently shared his thoughts on the fight between Umar Nurmagomedov and UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili in an exclusive interview with Rant Sports. Aliskerov praised Nurmagomedov’s performance in the early rounds and reflected on the nature of title contention in mixed martial arts.
Aliskerov on Earning a Title Shot
Ikram Aliskerov exclusively for Rant Sports:
“An athlete must earn their way to the title. This is true both for sports and for life. After I won two fights, people were saying I would get a title shot. When I lost, they said I should become a coach instead. Umar fought well against Merab. Dvalishvili couldn’t do anything against him in the first two rounds, no matter what anyone says. Then Nurmagomedov broke his hand and calmed down. Merab was just standing there. That’s sports. Of course, Dvalishvili won the fight.”
Aliskerov highlighted the unpredictability of combat sports and how quickly narratives shift. One moment, a fighter is seen as a future champion; the next, they are dismissed after a single setback. This dynamic makes MMA one of the most exciting and ruthless sports in the world, where a single injury, mistake, or tactical miscalculation can completely alter a fighter’s career trajectory.
Dvalishvili vs. Nurmagomedov: A Battle of Grit
On January 19, at UFC 311, Merab Dvalishvili secured a unanimous decision victory over Umar Nurmagomedov. The fight was an intense contest, with Nurmagomedov taking control early on before suffering an injury that altered the course of the match. Despite the loss, Nurmagomedov showed resilience, demonstrating why he was undefeated up until that point.
Dvalishvili, known for his relentless pressure and cardio, took advantage of the injury to shift momentum in the later rounds. While the win cemented his status as a dominant force in the bantamweight division, Aliskerov’s comments suggest that the fight could have gone differently had Nurmagomedov remained at full strength. This bout not only showcased Dvalishvili’s ability to adapt but also highlighted the importance of endurance and strategy when facing elite opponents.
The fight between Nurmagomedov and Dvalishvili served as a test of skill, endurance, and mental toughness. Nurmagomedov’s grappling and technical striking were on full display in the early rounds, demonstrating his potential to become a future champion. However, Dvalishvili’s ability to withstand adversity and capitalize on his opponent’s injury showcased why he remains one of the most dangerous fighters in the division.
What’s Next for Nurmagomedov and Dvalishvili?
With his first professional loss now behind him, Nurmagomedov will need to regroup and refine his approach for future bouts. Given his talent and pedigree, many believe he will bounce back stronger. The setback might serve as an important learning experience, pushing him to further develop his conditioning and durability to withstand the physical demands of high-level competition.
Meanwhile, Dvalishvili’s victory further solidifies his reputation as a top contender in the bantamweight division. With this win, he positions himself for bigger opportunities, possibly even a shot at defending his title against another rising contender. His ability to push through difficult fights and adjust to unexpected challenges makes him a formidable opponent for anyone in the division.
Aliskerov’s remarks serve as a reminder that in MMA, fortunes can change in an instant. Whether it’s through injury, strategy, or sheer determination, every fight tells a different story. As the division moves forward, all eyes will be on how both fighters respond to their latest battle inside the Octagon. Will Nurmagomedov use this loss as fuel to sharpen his skills and come back stronger? Will Dvalishvili continue his dominant run and prove he is the rightful champion? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—this fight was just another chapter in an ever-evolving story of two elite fighters battling for greatness.
