Respect, Strategy, and a Rising Title Chase in the Bantamweight Division
So let me walk you through this interesting storyline unfolding around Umar Nurmagomedov’s division, where respect, timing, and title ambitions are all starting to collide. Even though the focus here is on Merab Dvalishvili and Aiemann Zahabi, this whole situation directly affects every rising contender in the bantamweight mix — including Umar — because the title picture is shifting fast.
This week, Merab Dvalishvili and Aiemann Zahabi were seen exchanging genuine words of respect during UFC 323 fight week. What makes it more compelling is that these two could realistically be competing for the same championship shot very soon, depending on how everything plays out. Merab had a huge task ahead of him with his rematch against former champion Petr Yan, and Zahabi was present in an analyst role, breaking down the action for Sportsnet. Despite potentially being future opponents, their interaction showed nothing but professionalism.
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During their conversation, Merab openly acknowledged Zahabi’s rise in the division. He pointed out how Zahabi has been on a long winning streak, and he made it clear that the work Zahabi has put in has not gone unnoticed. Merab even said that if things go his way — “God willing,” as he put it — he hopes Zahabi gets his opportunity at the belt too. The respect between them was obvious, and they ended the moment by wishing each other good luck.
But here’s where the strategic side comes in. Zahabi later admitted that he was rooting for Merab to win this weekend for reasons that go beyond simple support. In an interview with James Lynch for Bodog, Zahabi explained that if Petr Yan were to recapture the belt, the whole division would suddenly become more complicated. Yan, as a newly reinstated champion, would have plenty of potential opponents lined up, which could leave Zahabi waiting on the sidelines. In contrast, Zahabi feels that Merab as champion gives him a clearer and more direct path toward a title shot.
Interestingly, Zahabi also felt that Yan wasn’t getting enough credit heading into this rematch. In his eyes, the fight looked closer to a 50-50 split, especially given the belief that Yan may have been dealing with an injured hand in their previous meeting — the one where Merab won by decision.
All of this sets the stage for an unpredictable future in the bantamweight division. With contenders like Zahabi pushing forward, champions like Merab holding strong, and rising forces like Umar Nurmagomedov waiting for the right moment, the title picture is becoming more crowded, more strategic, and more exciting by the day.
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