The UFC 322 co-main event features Merab Dvalishvili vs. Umar Nurmagomedov. On the line is the UFC Bantamweight Championship, currently held by Dvalishvili. Both fighters have the same number of wins and are eager to add another to their record. Here’s what you need to know—and who might be worth betting on.

Fighters Profiles and Strength

Merab Dvalishvili

Merab Dvalishvili, also known as “The Machine,” has earned his nickname for dominating the bantamweight division. He’s currently on an 11-fight winning streak, with his last fight on September 14, 2024, in the UFC. In 2017, Merab defended the ROC Bantamweight Championship against Raufeon Stots before signing with the UFC. His debut came in December of that year but ended in a split-decision loss to Frankie Saenz.

The following year, he lost again but earned the “Fight of the Night” bonus at UFC Fight Night 128 for his submission loss. Redemption came later in 2018 with a win against Terrion Ware. In 2019, Merab stepped away from the UFC to compete in the Combat Sambo World Championships. He defeated opponents like Yerlan Makhmutov and Mindaugas Ramaska but lost the gold medal to Stepan Kobenov in the final. Returning to the UFC, he beat Casey Kenney by unanimous decision.

In 2021, Merab earned a “Performance of the Night” bonus for his knockout win over Marlon Moraes. However, his last career loss came at Fury Pro Grappling 2 against Kevin Dantzler. Since then, he’s remained unstoppable in the UFC.

Umar Nurmagomedov

Umar Nurmagomedov is on an impressive unbeaten streak with 18 wins. Coming from a strong fighting family, his pursuit of GOLD feels natural.

In just three years with the UFC, Umar has fought six times, mostly on UFC Fight Night cards. He made his debut in 2021 against Sergey Morozov, earning a “Performance of the Night” bonus with a rear-naked choke submission. He repeated this success against Raoni Barcelos, securing a win with a left hook TKO.

Other notable UFC victories include wins over Nate Maness, Brian Kelleher, Bekzat Almakhan, and Cory Sandhagen. Before joining the UFC, Umar competed at GFC 20, where he won the vacant GF Bantamweight Championship against Braian González via submission.

What time is the fight?

The fight kicks off live at 10 p.m. ET this Saturday.

Location: Intuit Dome, Los Angeles, California, United States.

How can I Watch It?

If you’re interested, you can watch it on ESPN+  Pay-per-view.

Statistical Matchup

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Keys to Victory

Merab Dvalishvili`s Path to Success

Merab’s main strengths are his striking and wrestling skills. He knows how to apply pressure in the octagon, which worked well in his last fight. The 34-year-old orthodox fighter lands 42% of his significant strikes. He also has excellent grappling abilities, making him a well-rounded competitor.

Umar Nurmagomedov`s Path to Success

Umar has an impressive record that matches his opponent’s. He plans to use the same strategy that has worked in his past title fights. His goal is to take the bout to the final round and win by unanimous decision

Final Prediction

Can the champion really challenge the unbeaten Umar, who comes from a rich fighting legacy? This fight feels wide open.

Merab is not someone to underestimate, especially with the odds in his favor. His wrestling skills earned him the UFC championship, and he knows how to defend it. For six years, he’s been a solid competitor.

Facing someone like Umar, though, won’t be easy. This fight looks like it will go into the later rounds.

Our Prediction:

Merab Dvalishvili by unanimous decision

Over 2.5 rounds

Fight to go the distance

READ MORE: Who is fighting on UFC 311 this weekend?

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