Javier Mendez, coach of Umar Nurmagomedov, believes that Merab Dvalishvili`s actions during their fight influenced the judges` decision in Dvalishvili`s favor.
Despite Nurmagomedov seemingly winning the first two rounds on two judges` scorecards, Dvalishvili, the bantamweight champion, secured a unanimous decision victory at UFC 311 in January. Nurmagomedov`s record now stands at 18-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC, while Dvalishvili`s is 19-4 MMA, 12-2 UFC.
Although Nurmagomedov sustained a broken hand in the first round, Coach Mendez points to a different factor for the loss.
On the “Javier & Mo podcast,” Mendez recounted telling Nurmagomedov, “In my opinion, you won three of the five rounds.”
Mendez elaborated, “Perhaps I`m biased, but I believe Dvalishvili won the fifth round by showboating. He behaved like the winner while Umar was tired. I feel he took the win because you allowed him to, even though I believe you were the better fighter.”
Mendez continued, “Considering the damage inflicted, Umar was superior. However, Dvalishvili projected himself as the winner, and Umar didn`t counter that. I can understand how judges could be swayed by that perception.”
Currently, Umar Nurmagomedov`s next fight is pending. Meanwhile, Merab Dvalishvili is scheduled to rematch Sean O`Malley at UFC 316 on June 7 at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.
