The UFC 311 event delivered one of the most thrilling showdowns in bantamweight history (61 kg) as Georgian champion Merab Dvalishvili faced rising star Umar Nurmagomedov, who entered the fight undefeated. In a grueling five-round battle, Dvalishvili successfully defended his title, earning a unanimous decision victory and handing Nurmagomedov, cousin of the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov, his first career loss.
Round Summary
Round 1: Observation and Precision
The fight started cautiously, with both fighters spending the initial seconds gauging each other. Umar Nurmagomedov displayed precise striking and threatened Dvalishvili with dangerous attacks, but the champion’s defense held strong. In the closing moments, Umar landed a powerful blow that set the tone for an intense fight.
Round 2: Tactical Domination by Nurmagomedov
Nurmagomedov took control in the second round, dictating the pace with his varied striking. He combined punches and kicks effectively, keeping Dvalishvili on the defensive for most of the round.
Round 3: Dvalishvili’s Comeback
Dvalishvili made a strong comeback in the third round, landing significant strikes on Umar. The Georgian interacted with the crowd during exchanges, energizing the audience. Despite this, Nurmagomedov maintained pressure and made the round competitive.
Round 4: Georgian Control
As the fight progressed, signs of fatigue began to show on Nurmagomedov. Dvalishvili capitalized by imposing his game plan, controlling the center of the octagon and executing several takedowns. His striking volume overwhelmed Nurmagomedov.
Round 5: Total Domination
In the final round, Dvalishvili showcased his mental and physical superiority. He executed multiple takedowns and kept constant pressure on a visibly exhausted Nurmagomedov, who defended valiantly but couldn’t match the champion’s pace.
Final Result
The judges scored the fight unanimously for Merab Dvalishvili (48-47, 48-47, 49-46), confirming his historic victory and brilliant title defense. The win improved his record to 18-4, while Umar Nurmagomedov suffered his first loss, falling to 18-1.
Le champion garde sa couronne 👑@MerabDvalishvil s'impose par décision unanime et conserve son titre de champion du monde des poids coq
📺 Regardez l’#UFC311 EN DIRECT sur 🇫🇷 RMC Sport 1 et sur 🇧🇪 VOOSport World pic.twitter.com/FS8FQb274t
— UFC France (@UFCFRA) January 19, 2025
What’s Next?
This victory cements Merab Dvalishvili’s status as one of the best bantamweight fighters in the world. For Umar Nurmagomedov, this loss could mark the beginning of a comeback journey with new strategies and lessons learned.
Alternate Title:
“Dvalishvili Ends Nurmagomedov’s Streak and Makes History at UFC 311
