Merab Dvalishvili Faces Backlash After UFC 306 Victory, Calls for Umar Nurmagomedov Title Shot

Newly crowned bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili is criticized for perceived hypocrisy as he navigates challenges from Umar Nurmagomedov and Deiveson Figueiredo.

Merab Dvalishvili won the bantamweight title at UFC 306 with a unanimous decision over Sean O'Malley.
Dvalishvili has expressed that Deiveson Figueiredo, not Umar Nurmagomedov, deserves the next title shot.
Umar Nurmagomedov and others have accused Dvalishvili of hypocrisy, pointing out his support for friend Ilia Topuria's title shot under similar circumstances.
Henry Cejudo and other commentators believe Dvalishvili is uncomfortable with the prospect of facing Nurmagomedov.
Despite Dvalishvili's preference, UFC insiders and Nurmagomedov's team are confident that Umar will be the next title challenger.