A pair of title contenders are going to be very blissful to listen to Dana White’s feedback after UFC 308.
Beginning with undefeated bantamweight Umar Nurmagomedov, who has been anxiously awaiting word on his title shot in opposition to Merab Dvalishvili amid calls from the champion for a right away rematch with Sean O’Malley. Whereas Dvalishvili made claims that Nurmagomedov was “scared” and didn’t deserve a title shot, the UFC CEO appears to disagree.
When requested about Dvalishvili’s feedback, White cemented Nurmagomedov because the No. 1 contender whereas stating “completely” that’s the combat the UFC needs subsequent.
So far as Dvalishvili hinting at different choices, most notably his fixed requires a second combat in opposition to O’Malley, White additionally shut that down by answering “Umar” when addressing rapid plans for the bantamweight title.
White additionally handled the latest rumors that Nurmagomedov was really working in direction of a combat in opposition to Song Yadong after studying that Dvalishvili wouldn’t be able to compete once more till March. That month represents the beginning of Ramadan and Nurmagomedov has said that he doesn’t need to compete through the holy month when Muslims quick from daybreak till sundown day-after-day.
“Did we announce it?” White stated about Nurmagomedov vs. Track. “Then no [it’s not official].”
Just a few weight lessons increased, White additionally responded to inquiries about Magomed Ankalaev lastly incomes his lengthy awaited title shot in opposition to gentle heavyweight champion Alex Pereira.
On Saturday, Ankalaev prolonged his unbeaten streak to 13 straight with a unanimous resolution win over Aleksandar Rakic. Ankalaev’s supervisor Ali Abdelaziz beforehand advised MMA Combating that so long as the Russian dealt with his enterprise at UFC 308, then he anticipated a title shot could be subsequent.
Now White is backing up these plans after watching Ankalaev’s efficiency on Saturday.
“He appeared good,” White stated about Ankalaev. “He completely appeared nice. I must say sure [he gets his title shot].”
With Ankalaev and Nurmagomedov in place as challengers, Pereira and Dvalishvili can respectively begin planning for the longer term as soon as the UFC schedule begins coming collectively for 2025.
