A pair of title contenders are going to be very glad to listen to Dana White’s feedback after UFC 308.
Beginning with undefeated bantamweight Umar Nurmagomedov, who has been anxiously awaiting phrase on his title shot towards Merab Dvalishvili amid calls from the champion for a direct 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 towards 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 towards Track 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 acknowledged that he doesn’t need to compete in the course of the holy month when Muslims quick from daybreak till sundown day by day.
“Did we announce it?” White stated about Nurmagomedov vs. Track. “Then no [it’s not official].”
Just a few weight courses greater, White additionally responded to inquiries about Magomed Ankalaev lastly incomes his lengthy awaited title shot towards gentle heavyweight champion Alex Pereira.
On Saturday, Ankalaev prolonged his unbeaten streak to 13 straight with a unanimous choice win over Aleksandar Rakic. Ankalaev’s supervisor Ali Abdelaziz beforehand informed MMA Combating that so long as the Russian dealt with his enterprise at UFC 308, then he anticipated a title shot can be subsequent.
Now White is backing up these plans after watching Ankalaev’s efficiency on Saturday.
“He regarded good,” White stated about Ankalaev. “He completely regarded 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.
