Javier Mendez believes Merab Dvalishvili beat Umar Nurmagomedov with gamesmanship.
In January, Dvalishvili efficiently defended his title in opposition to Nurmagomedov within the co-main occasion of UFC 311. Although Nurmagomedov was the favourite, Dvalishvili out-worked him over 25 minutes together with his signature mix of cardio and stress, profitable with scores of 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46. Following the bout, Nurmagomedov revealed he broke his hand in the first round, saying that affected his potential to carry out in opposition to Dvalishvili, however his coach Javier Mendez says that wasn’t what actually price him.
“I simply mentioned to him, ‘You recognize what, Umar? I felt, in my view, I felt you received three out of the 5 rounds,” Mendez mentioned on his Javier & Mo podcast. “Perhaps I’m being biased however I felt within the fifth spherical, the rationale why you didn’t win is as a result of he showboated his approach to profitable that. He acted just like the victor whilst you had been drained. That’s why I really feel he principally took it from you since you let him. However I felt you received.’
“Since you take a look at harm and this and that, however in relation to presence, he positively acquired that. The precise harm that he did was nothing in comparison with what Umar did. He did extra. However once more, [Merab] confirmed that, ‘I’m the winner, I’m the winner,’ and Umar couldn’t cease him from exhibiting that. I can see how the judges would get swayed on that.”
Statistically, the battle was very shut, with Dvalishvili landed simply seven extra strikes all through the bout. Nonetheless, Dvalishvili additionally landed 5 extra takedowns, albeit on twice the variety of takedown makes an attempt. However, Dvalishvili took house the choice and he’s now set to rematch Sean O’Malley in the primary occasion of UFC 316 in June. Nurmagomedov, in the meantime, is rumored to have a battle with Petr Yan within the works, although nothing is official but.
