Umar Nurmagomedov has new nickname for Merab Dvalishvili after latest comments: ‘All the time crying’

Umar Nurmagomedov is growing weary of Merab Dvalishvili's persistent media criticism and has challenged the former bantamweight champion to address their disputes face-to-face rather than through public statements. Nurmagomedov competes Saturday against Song Yadong in the main event of UFC Shanghai, while Dvalishvili prepares for a trilogy bout with Petr Yan over the bantamweight title at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi in October.

Dvalishvili recently appeared on The Ariel Helwani Show and revisited a confrontation at a July RAF Georgia event involving a Nurmagomedov fan. During that interview, Dvalishvili criticized Nurmagomedov and called his manager Rizvan Magomedov "sneaky." Nurmagomedov fired back, disputing the characterization and insisting their rivalry is permanent. "It's never going to die, and we're never going to be friends," Nurmagomedov said. He challenged Dvalishvili: "If you have a problem with me, come to me. Tell me anything in front of my face. Why are you going to cry? Why tell social media?" Nurmagomedov questioned what specific disrespect he had shown, noting he had never cursed at Dvalishvili or made harsh comments unprompted. He suggested Dvalishvili change his nickname from "The Machine" to "Disrespect Merab" given the constant complaints. Both fighters winning their upcoming bouts could set up a highly anticipated rematch with genuine bad blood behind it.