Former UFC bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw believes Umar Nurmagomedov holds the key to defeating the highly dominant Merab Dvalishvili, affectionately known as `The Machine.`
Dvalishvili, a prominent force in the 135-pound division, recently extended his impressive winning streak with a victory over Cory Sandhagen at UFC 320. This latest performance has intensified discussions among fans and analysts about who, if anyone, possesses the skillset to unseat the formidable Georgian contender.
For Dillashaw, the answer lies in Umar Nurmagomedov, recalling their past encounter at UFC 311. Dillashaw highlighted a crucial tactical difference in Nurmagomedov`s approach.
TJ Dillashaw Praises Umar Nurmagomedov`s Takedown Strategy Against Dvalishvili
During an episode of the Jaxxon Podcast with ‘Rampage’ Jackson, TJ Dillashaw shared his insights on Dvalishvili’s recent success. The ex-champion suggested that many of Dvalishvili`s opponents make a fundamental mistake by not adequately challenging his defensive grappling. This, Dillashaw argues, is where Umar Nurmagomedov distinguished himself.
Dillashaw expressed keen interest in a potential rematch between Dvalishvili and Nurmagomedov, specifically noting how the Dagestani fighter actively attempted to take `The Machine` down in their fight. This aggressive grappling strategy, according to Dillashaw, is essential.
“I think that’s a mistake a lot of guys make, that they’re not shooting on him,” Dillashaw stated. “Umar did, though. That’s why I want to see him fight Umar again because someone needs to take him down and hold him down. Who knows how good his bottom game is? I don’t know.”
Khabib Nurmagomedov Foresees Umar Becoming a Pound-for-Pound King
Umar Nurmagomedov is set to return to the octagon against Mario Bautista at UFC 321, aiming to bounce back from his previous setback against Dvalishvili. Despite this loss, his cousin, the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov, remains incredibly optimistic about Umar’s future, even tipping him as a future pound-for-pound king.
In a Q&A session in New York City, Khabib shared his profound belief in Umar’s potential:
“On high level, who can become pound-for-pound (number one)? I really believe Umar can be there too,” Khabib declared. He drew a parallel to the career trajectory of Islam Makhachev: “Umar’s situation right now, he’s dealing with a loss but, in 2015, Islam was in the same position. Today’s 2025 and he’s the best fighter on the earth.”
Khabib acknowledged the personal journey involved, adding, “We will see how he’s gonna deal with this (in his next fight). I don’t know, I don’t know because his name is Umar, my name is Khabib and we are completely different humans. But we will see the way how we’re gonna deal with his loss.”
