UFC 311 is fast approaching, featuring a co-main event between bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili and undefeated contender Umar Nurmagomedov.
Amid injury concerns for both fighters the rising, Umar Nurmagomedov has retracted his statement about entering UFC 311 training camp with a broken arm.
Umar Nurmagomedov Backtracks on Injury Claims Ahead of UFC 311 Title Fight with Merab Dvalishvili
Last week, concerns arose about the UFC 311 co-main event when Umar Nurmagomedov revealed he broke his arm in late 2024. He mentioned that his team advised against accepting the title fight on January 18th.
“After I was in Dagestan, I punched my arm and showed it to the doctor. They did an X-ray and said, ‘You broke your arm.’”
“My manager and brother said, ‘Are you crazy? You can’t fight like that,’ but when the UFC called again asking if I would fight Merab, I told Ali to make it happen.”
However, in a recent interview with MMA Junkie, the undefeated Russian backtracked, stating that his arm wasn’t an issue as he entered UFC 311 training camp.
“No, I’m not training with an injury. I was already healthy when I started camp, and everything has gone smoothly. My training camp has been perfect.”
“I’m good, I’m perfect—don’t worry. My arms are ready to smash.”
Despite being the challenger, Nurmagomedov is a sizable favourite over Merab Dvalishvili, with 69% of Tapology users predicting a new champion in LA.
“I don’t think about that,” Nurmagomedov responded to the odds. “I have my team, my close friends, and coaches. I did everything perfectly and prepared 100%. I’m ready to be in my best shape.”
Meanwhile, Dvalishvili has also revealed he suffered an injury during training camp. However, reports indicate that neither UFC 311 title bout will have a backup fighter on standby.
Umar Responds to Sean O’Malley’s Comments
Former UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley said he’d be open to facing Umar Nurmagomedov but prefers a rematch with Merab Dvalishvili.
In response, the undefeated 29-year-old stated that O’Malley will be their next title challenger regardless and explained why he believes “Suga” is picking against him.
“I think if they’re going to make the fight, O’Malley will be next after I win this one,” said Nurmagomedov.”
“He wants Merab to win, not because of a rematch, but because he thinks Merab will be easier to beat than me. With Merab, he sees a chance to win, but with me, he knows there’s no chance.”
In an ideal scenario, Nurmagomedov plans to fight three times in 2025, beginning with Dvalishvili next weekend. He hopes to face O’Malley in the summer and finish the year with a homecoming in Abu Dhabi.
“Yes, I can fight three times. I’ll fight three times this year, and I think June and October are perfect for me.”
UFC 311: Makhachev vs Tsarukyan takes place live on Saturday, January 18th, from Los Angeles.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
