UFC 311 Results: Merab Dvalishvili retains against Umar Nurmagomedov after a five-round war

In the co-main event of UFC 311, the bantamweight title is on the line. The two most dominant forces in the bantamweight division will clash as the champion Merab Dvalishvili (18-4) takes on his toughest test in the undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov (18-0).

The champion got off to a rough start when he made his octagon debut years ago. Dvalishvili lost his first two fights before going on an incredible ten-fight win streak that led him to his title fight against Sean O’Malley at The Sphere last September. Dvalishvili had his crowning moment where he became bantamweight champion after his decision win.

Now, he’ll take on the undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov. Nurmagomedov is an absolute force and considered by many to be the best bantamweight in the world. He earned this title shot after his lopsided win over elite contender Cory Sandhagen.

UFC 311 Recap

Round 1

The UFC 311 co-main event starts with a touch of the gloves. The fight is underway and both men are very light on their feet. Both just feeling things out in the opening minute. Umar closing the distance a little and Merab lands a leg kick to start the striking. High kick attempt from Umar and Dvalishvili evades.

Huge 1-2 down the middle from Umar and the champion fires a big right hand back. Another nice 1-2 from Umar. Huge power right hand from Dvalishvili. The champion is throwing with some heat right now. Nice front kick and a jab from Nurmagomedov. Both men trade big shots in the pocket. Halfway through the round and the pace is picking up.

Nice body kick from Umar. As Merab tries to enter he eats a combination from Umar. Nurmagomedov tries for a takedown attempt and there’s a wild scramble. Great defense from the champion and Merab circles away. Big swing and a miss from Dvalishvili. Clinch and neither can get the advantage. They break and Merab lands a nice right.

Shot to the body from Umar. 1-2 from the challenger and then both men throw wild. Right hand from Nurmagomedov hurts the champion. Merab survives but the first round of UFC 311 goes to the challenger.

Round 2

Second round begins and Merab takes the center. Umar starts pushing forward and he throws a kick. Big right hand lands from the champion and Umar lands a nice counter left. Big right hand from Merab and now these two just stand and trade big power shots in the pocket. Clean left hand lands for Umar but Dvalishvili just pushes throw it.

Clinch from Merab but the challenger breaks free. Two minutes into an action packed round and Merab nearly lands a takedown. Beautiful scramble from Nurmagomedov and now he gets the back of the champion. Huge moment here for Umar Nurmagomedov. Halfway through the round and the champion is in a bad spot here.

Dvalishvili scrambles and he breaks free. Nice jab from Umar. Big right hand lands again from Merab. The champion is really upping the pressure here. Big combination from Umar and now a takedown attempt. Dvalishvili defends easily and they’re back to striking. Low kick from the champion and now he tries for his own takedown.

Nurmagomedov defends and now he reverses the position. They break away and the pace slows. Big counter right lands from the challenger. Combination from Nurmagomedov and the round ends. I have the challenger up 20-18 after two at UFC 311.

Round 3

Third round and both men meet each other in the center. Front kick to the body from Umar. Low kick from Merab as he tries to close the distance. Big takedown attempt from Merab and Umar defends perfectly. Big combination from Merab on the break but Umar takes it well. Nice shots from the challenger as the pace slows for a second.

Both men land big in tight. Body kick from Umar and Merab counters with a big shot. Takedown attempt from Merab and Umar defends it again. Lead right hand from Umar and now a body kick. Right hand and a jab from Merab and Umar looks to counter. Merab is just suffocating and he’s throwing everything.

Umar goes for a takedown and Merab defends. Merab lands a trip but he backs away. Umar gets back up and they are back to striking. Big takedown attempt from Merab and he gets it, but Umar rolls through and he pushes Merab against the fence. Merab reverses and breaks away. Head kick attempt from Umar. Low kick from Umar and he goes for a single leg. Beautiful scrambles and the round ends. I have it 2-1 Nurmagomedov after three at UFC 311.

Round 4

The fourth round is underway and Umar pushes forward. Right over the top and a takedown attempt from Merab but Umar defends well. Nice left hand from the challenger. Right hand counter now lands for Nurmagomedov and Merab lands a takedown. However, Umar is right back on his feet. He breaks free and another takedown attempt from Merab.

Now a big right hand from Dvalishvili. Nurmagomedov looks very tired in there as he throws a head kick. Body shot lands for the champion. More pressure from Dvalishvili but he eats a left from Umar. Big combinations from both men and they scramble off a Umar takedown attempt. Big left from the challenger and a right from Merab.

Takedown attempt by Merab and Umar defends well. Back to striking and Merab lands a big right hand. 90 seconds left in the round and Merab lands a body shot. Left hand from Umar but Merab is all over him with his pressure. He’s breaking the challenger here and he takes down Nurmagomedov. Umar works his way back to his feet but the round ends. I have this all tied up heading into the final round at UFC 311.

Round 5

Entering the final round and all the momentum is with the champion. Nice left hand lands for Umar to start the striking here in the final round. Merab looks much fresher right now and he shoots for a takedown. Umar defends well and breaks away. Left straight lands for the challenger and now another. Another takedown attempt from Merab and now another. Umar defends both and now another.

Umar’s takedown defense is incredible. Right hand now from the challenger and now a left. Merab with another takedown attempt with three minutes left in the round. Umar is staying up for now but Merab has him against the fence. Halfway through the round and this round can still go to either.

Merab is on the pressure as Umar lands a left. Body kick from Umar and Merab fires back. Takedown attempt from Umar and Merab defends with ease. Two minutes left in this one. Right hand from Merab and a left from Umar. Two big body kicks from Umar.

Left straight from Umar and Merab shoots again with Umar defending. Another takedown attempt from Umar defends and lands a combination. One minute left in this one. Left straight from Umar. Big right hand lands from Merab and he lands a takedown. Umar is back up but Merab takes him right back down. The fight ends and Merab Dvalishvili should retain his title.

Merab Dvalishvili def. Umar Nurmagomedov (49-46, 48-47, 48-47)

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