Merab Dvalishvili unhappy to see Umar Nurmagomedov stopped by Song Yadong
The former UFC bantamweight champion admits he did not enjoy seeing his longtime rival suffer a knockout loss in Shanghai.
Merab Dvalishvili was not happy to see Umar Nurmagomedov suffer a knockout loss to Song Yadong at UFC Shanghai. Despite his rivalry with the Russian, the former UFC bantamweight champion admitted he never wants to see another fighter suffer a stoppage like that. Dvalishvili also believes Yadong could be his next opponent.
Merab Dvalishvili Praises Song Yadong
Dvalishvili and Nurmagomedov have a history inside the Octagon, with the Georgian defeating the Russian by unanimous decision at UFC 311 in January 2025. Their rivalry continued after the fight with physical altercations and heated verbal exchanges. However, despite the animosity between them, Dvalishvili did not take pleasure in watching his former opponent suffer his first knockout loss against Yadong.
"Song Yadong's performance was impressive," Dvalishvili told UFC on Paramount+. "I always know that guy is dangerous. When I see Umar lose that way, I was not happy because I never wish somebody to lose or get KO'd like this. I was not happy, but I was excited for Song Yadong because he is the new contender now."
Yadong delivered one of the biggest wins of his career on Aug. 29 in Shanghai, stopping Nurmagomedov with a second-round knockout and immediately putting himself in the bantamweight title picture.
Merab Dvalishvili Expects Song Yadong Next
Dvalishvili is currently focused on his upcoming rematch with Petr Yan, but the former champion already has an idea of who he could face next. The Georgian fighter sees Yadong as an exciting potential opponent, particularly because they have never shared the Octagon.
"New blood, I never fought him," Dvalishvili said. "He excites me because he has knockout power. God willing, I beat Petr; I think Song Yadong will be my next opponent because we have never fought."
For now, Dvalishvili will have to get past Yan before thinking about a potential fight with Yadong. The Georgian is scheduled to face the UFC bantamweight champion at UFC 333 on Oct. 24.
