Luke Rockhold expects Umar Nurmagomedov to pose serious problems for Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 311.
Nurmagomedov (18-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) challenges bantamweight champion Dvalishvili (18-4 MMA, 11-2 UFC) in the Jan. 18 co-main event from Inglewood, Calif. (ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPN, ESPN+).
Rockhold, who trained with Nurmagomedov at American Kickboxing Academy, says “The Young Eagle” represents the new wave of talent from the Nurmagomedov school. Rockhold acknowledges Dvalishvili’s relentless grappling, but sees Nurmagomedov having an answer for everything he throws at him.
“This is a tough matchup,” Rockhold said on the “JAXXON Podcast.” “Merab’s just a tricky, tough, hard-nosed dude, so it’s like he’s got to work around him. I mean, he can outstrike him, and he can not get outwrestled. I think that’s where Umar can win. He can beat him everywhere, really. He can outstrike him, and then Merab can shoot in. Umar can counter him and get to his back. I’m telling you, he is better than him everywhere.
“Merab might have the wrestling advantage in some way, shape or form, but not. Umar can counter him, but it’s going to come down to determination. Think about it. You’re like, it’s a tough matchup for Umar, but then you start really looking at it. He’s going to outstrike Merab, and then Merab is going to get frustrated and shoot in. Umar’s going to counter him, he’s probably get to a dominant position, and it’s going to go back up. I don’t see that fight going any other way.”
According to DraftKings, Nurmagomedov is a sizable -290 favorite to remain unbeaten and dethrone Dvalishvili, who’s a +235 underdog.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 311.
