UFC legend TJ Dillashaw believes Umar Nurmagomedov holds the key to defeating dominant bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili, widely known as `The Machine`.
Merab Dvalishvili solidified his impressive run in the bantamweight division, eyeing potential GOAT status, after his third successful title defense of 2025 at UFC 320. He decisively outpointed Cory Sandhagen, leaving many in the MMA community to wonder who possesses the skills to overcome “The Machine.”
Dillashaw, however, points to a fighter who previously faced Dvalishvili, Umar Nurmagomedov, as the potential solution to Dvalishvili`s reign.
TJ Dillashaw Highlights Umar Nurmagomedov`s Unique Strategy Against Merab Dvalishvili
Speaking on the Jaxxon Podcast with ‘Rampage’ Jackson, former champion TJ Dillashaw observed that many of Dvalishvili`s opponents fail to test his defensive grappling. This oversight leads Dillashaw to believe a rematch between Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov would be compelling, especially recalling Nurmagomedov`s active attempts to take “The Machine” down during their UFC 311 bout in January.
“I think that’s a mistake a lot of guys make, that they’re not shooting on him,” Dillashaw said. “Umar did, though. That’s why I want to see him fight Umar again because someone needs to take him down and hold him down. Who knows how good his bottom game is? I don’t know.”
Dillashaw emphasizes the need to test Dvalishvili`s ground game by securing takedowns and maintaining control, a strategy he saw Nurmagomedov employ effectively.
Khabib Nurmagomedov Backs Umar to Become Future Pound-for-Pound King
Despite his recent title loss, Umar Nurmagomedov is set to return to the octagon against Mario Bautista at UFC 321. His esteemed cousin, Khabib Nurmagomedov, remains confident in Umar`s potential, asserting that the 29-year-old could become a future pound-for-pound king if he successfully rebounds from his defeat.
During a Q&A session in New York City, Khabib shared his conviction:
“On high level, who can become pound-for-pound (number one)? I really believe Umar can be there too.”
He drew a parallel to Islam Makhachev`s journey, who also faced a loss in 2015 before becoming a top fighter. Khabib added:
“Umar’s situation right now, he’s dealing with a loss but, in 2015, Islam was in the same position. Today’s 2025 and he’s the best fighter on the earth. We will see how he’s gonna deal with this (in his next fight). I don’t know, I don’t know because his name is Umar, my name is Khabib and we are completely different humans. But we will see the way how we’re gonna deal with his loss.”
This highlights Khabib`s belief in Umar`s ability to learn and grow from adversity, despite acknowledging their individual differences in handling such situations.
Jack Thornley