UFC 311 is just days away, and the stakes are sky-high for the Dagestani camp. Khabib Nurmagomedov has built a legacy that may rival the Gracies, but the pressure is mounting as three of his team members prepare to step into the Octagon. Leading the charge is Islam Makhachev, with Umar Nurmagomedov right behind him.

While Makhachev faces the challenge of maintaining both personal and team legacies, Umar carries the added weight of family expectations. Being Khabib’s cousin places him under scrutiny, with questions about whether his rise is fueled by talent or lineage. On the opposing side stands Merab Dvalishvili, the Georgian powerhouse who believes Umar hasn’t yet earned a shot against him.

Despite not having the same lineage, Dvalishvili enjoys unwavering support from team member Aljamain Sterling. The former 135lbs champ’s confidence in Dvalishvili’s abilities was evident in a recent post shared by Home of Fight on X. “If you guys think that Merab is not gonna be ready for these grappling exchanges—I mean if Cory Sandhagen could get ready, a guy who is not coming from the grappling background at all? What do you think Merab is gonna do?” Sterling questioned.

He continued, “Again, people would say that Umar is not like these other guys, but guess what? Merab is not like these other guys. There is a method to the madness, and you guys are gonna see it again in a few days.” Indeed, Dvalishvili’s talent is undeniable. He didn’t earn the nickname “The Machine” by chance.

His relentless pace, pressure, and unmatched cardio have overwhelmed some of the division’s top fighters, earning him a reputation as one of the toughest opponents to face. Meanwhile, former arch-nemesis Sean O’Malley appears determined to throw his support behind Team Khabib.

Sean O’Malley backs Umar Nurmagomedov in title fight at UFC 311

Former 135lbs kingpin Sean O’Malley, made his prediction for the upcoming title bout, picking ‘Young Eagle’ as the winner. During Jake Shields’ Fight Back Podcast, O’Malley confidently stated, “Umar should beat Merab. He’s one of the most skilled guys in the division.” But is this prediction fueled purely by admiration—or is there lingering tension from a past encounter with Merab Dvalishvili?

Let’s not forget O’Malley’s defeat to Dvalishvili at UFC Noche—a loss that still seems to sting. Reflecting on the fight, O’Malley admitted, “I was better than him, skill for skill. It’s just… he found a couple of positions I couldn’t get up from.” However, the Montana native prefers to look ahead and even hinted at wanting to face the winner of this bout.

This isn’t just a battle for dominance inside the Octagon—it’s a clash of legacies and unresolved rivalries. Who are you backing to come out on top in the co-main event of UFC 311? Share your predictions in the comments below!

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