‘Real challenger’ Umar Nurmagomedov reacts to Merab win, O’Malley loss at UFC 306 — ‘I expected more’

Merab Dvalishvili is the new bantamweight champion.

“The Machine” dominated Sean O’Malley across five rounds to capture the 135-pound crown atop the UFC 306 pay-per-view (PPV) event last Sat. night (Sept. 14, 2024) at The Sphere in Las Vegas, ending “Suga’s” chances of becoming “the next Conor McGregor.”

Dvalishvili (18-4) will likely make his first title defense against No. 2-ranked contender, Umar Nurmagomedov, at some point in early 2025.

“I expected more from Sean, Merab did his job well,” Nurmagomedov wrote on Twitter. “I hope he won’t avoid the real challenger. In any case, I’m ready. White Papakha vs. Black Papakha have to be [next]. Congratulations Merab Dvalishvili. Right now you champion, you deserve this belt. Enjoy.”

During his UFC 306 post-fight interview, longtime color commentator, Joe Rogan, asked Dvalishvili if he wanted to fight Nurmagomedov next ... which drew a long pause from “The Machine.”

“I just won the belt,” Dvalisvhili said. “I respect and love [UFC CEO] Dana White, whatever he wants. Now I’m champion, I want to be close. I want him to know me more better. I respect him. Dana White changed my life. Now look at me, I’m the UFC champion!”

“Today I wasn’t feeling any different than any other day,” Dvalishvili continued. “I was actually curious why I wasn’t feeling that I was fighting for a UFC belt. Today was a normal day for me. As you see, I don’t spend my energy. Crazy. I feel I’m in a dream. Today, I’m the best fighter in the UFC. I proved! I can go 15 more rounds like this. I have a belt, I win, everybody knows I dominated this guy.”

For complete UFC 306 results, coverage, and highlights, click HERE.