Overview

• Dvalishvili downplayed his UFC 311 defense, calling Umar Nurmagomedov a sparring partner and saying he never felt in danger.
• He vows to outstrike and knock out Sean O’Malley when they meet at UFC 316 in Newark.
• O’Malley responded that Dvalishvili’s knockout-focused game plan “would be stupid” if that is his strategy.
• The champion cited respect for featherweight titleholder Alexander Volkanovski and a loaded bantamweight field as reasons to remain in his division.
• Riding a 12-fight win streak, Dvalishvili has conquered elite foes such as José Aldo, Henry Cejudo and Umar Nurmagomedov.