Merab Dvalishvili predicts Umar Nurmagomedov will defeat Song Yadong in the main event at UFC Shanghai on August 29. Dvalishvili, a top bantamweight, believes both fighters are capable but favors Nurmagomedov due to his strong chin and recent form. Both fighters faced Deiveson Figueiredo in their last bouts, with Nurmagomedov winning by unanimous decision and Yadong securing a second-round submission victory. Nurmagomedov enters with an 18-1 record, while Yadong looks to continue his momentum after his recent win. Dvalishvili's expertise stems from facing Nurmagomedov and his own performance history in the bantamweight division.

By the Numbers
  • Umar Nurmagomedov holds an 18-1 professional record.
  • Song Yadong has one win, a submission over Figueiredo, following a unanimous decision loss to Sean O’Malley.
State of Play
  • Nurmagomedov is on a two-fight win streak.
  • Dvalishvili is a former rival of Nurmagomedov and also a former bantamweight champion, showing the competitive nature of the division.
What's Next

The victor of the fight will likely secure a title shot in the bantamweight division, given the current stakes and momentum for both fighters. This bout will be crucial for both Nurmagomedov and Yadong in solidifying their positions among top contenders.

Bottom Line

Dvalishvili's endorsement of Nurmagomedov underscores the growing expectations for his performance, setting the stage for a pivotal fight that could reshape the bantamweight landscape.