Merab Dvalishvili backs Bautista over Umar Nurmagomedov

Merab Dvalishvili inactive holds his sentiment connected Umar Nurmagomedov steadfast and makes nary concealed of the information that helium would similar to spot idiosyncratic sound him disconnected his pedestal again. The Georgian defended his bantamweight loop astatine UFC 311, inflicting his archetypal decision connected the Dagestani, and has since publically claimed that Nurmagomedov enjoys a privileged presumption and openly supports him. Now, helium has made it wide that helium would alternatively spot Umar suffer to Mario Bautista than instrumentality to the rubric combat close away.

"My feline for this combat is Bautista," Dvalishvili told UFC Unfiltered. "This is simply a three-round fight; if it were five, I mightiness deliberation differently. In 3 rounds, Bautista has a chance. I deliberation I've already breached him and I judge helium tin bushed him too."

Dvalishvili adds that the victor of the nighttime should beryllium his adjacent hostile – ​​"fresh blood" that would bring caller momentum to the part and let him to reassert his dominance. 

"I'm going to beryllium a small arrogant: I deliberation I've breached him. I'm going to cheer for Bautista and I anticipation he's my adjacent opponent, due to the fact that I'd emotion to person that fight," helium said.

Merab is aiming for different loop defense

The plans are clear; Merab is aiming for different loop defense. He volition look Petr Jan astatine UFC 323 successful Las Vegas connected December 6 successful a rematch, and successful the meantime he's keeping a adjacent oculus connected the apical of the rankings. 

Asked if helium would springiness Umar different accidental if helium wins against Bautista, helium said a drawstring of palmy performances would unfastened up the anticipation of a rematch: "If Umar wins and keeps winning, we tin deliberation astir it. But if we conscionable him again, this clip I'm going to interruption him and truly unopen him down."