Khabib reveals championship opponent preference for Umar Nurmagomedov between Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili

Umar Nurmagomedov is the actual deal.

The Bantamweight division was on show at UFC Abu Dhabi this previous weekend (Aug. 3, 2024). In the principle occasion, extremely touted undefeated 18-0 prime prospect, Nurmagomedov, shed that label with a giant unanimous choice win over the perennial contender, Cory Sandhagen.

Nurmagomedov, 28, expects his subsequent trip to see him problem for gold after his largest win but. Teaching in his nook on the night time was the all-time nice Light-weight, Khabib Nurmagomedov, who has a choice for which attainable champion his protege might face.

“I would like Merab [Dvalishvili], to be trustworthy, as a result of he’s from Georgia,” Nurmagomedov stated in a UFC interview (h/t MMA Junkie). “We’re neighbors, Dagestan and Georgia. I would like Merab to win as a result of it’s going to be a really attention-grabbing battle. White papakha vs. black papakha. But when [Sean] O’Malley wins, it’s going to be white papakha vs. pink papakha. It’s going to be good competitors for O’Malley, an excellent battle, high-level battle for all the followers around the globe.

“It’s not straightforward to beat Umar, and it’s not straightforward to beat Merab or Sean O’Malley,” he continued. “That is excessive stage. Something can occur, however in my view, Umar is prepared. This battle put him another stage up, and we’ll see. He’s nonetheless rising, too. He’s nonetheless studying. He’s simply 28 years outdated, and he’s nonetheless studying.”

The upcoming Bantamweight title tilt is ready to headline Noche UFC when the champion, O’Malley, seeks protection No. 2 towards Dvalishvili subsequent month (Sat., Sept. 14, 2024).