Merab Dvalishvili vs Umar Nurmagomedov Prediction & Picks - UFC #311

Prediction published on 1/16/25, 1:09 AM  by Stephen Abiola | Modified on 1/16/25 at 5:46 AM in UFC Picks

Will Umar Nurmagomedov manage to upset Merab Dvalishvili (The Machine) on Saturday night in UFC 311? We’ll soon find out. Merab will come into this matchup looking to retain his UFC bantamweight title at Intuit Dome in LA. The 34-year-old Georgian fighter has the necessary arsenal to win this matchup, with strength being his primary weapon. He’s an experienced fighter with an 18-4-0 record and excellent grappling and defending skills.

However, the defending champ may have his work cut out against Umar, who is yet to taste defeat in the UFC. The 29-year-old Russian is an orthodox fighter who has won all his 18 UFC fights. He is a well-rounded MMA bruiser with excellent grappling skills and composure. Umar could take control of the battle, especially if he scores a takedown, forcing the champ into submission. It will be a highly tactical matchup.