Dvalishvili will also need to be mindful inside of scrambles given his propensity to expose his back when returning to standing positions. As Nurmagomedov has already shown in the octagon, the Dagestani fighter is incredibly systematic and effective when it comes to breaking down his opponents from rear mount and riding positions.

UFC Bantamweight Champion Merab Dvalishvili went back to work a little quicker than anybody anticipated, returning from a title win in September to a title defense against Umar Nurmagomedov this Saturday at UFC 311 - and Umar's cousin Khabib believes he knows why.

Merab Dvalishvili (left) had to be forced to fight at UFC 311 according to Khabib Nurmagomedov (right) [Image Courtesy: @ufc via X/Twitter, and @UFC_Asia via X/Twitter] Khabib Nurmagomedov is less than impressed with Merab Dvalishvili's conduct as the UFC bantamweight champion.