Despite Dvalishvili’s reluctance, Abdelaziz expects his fighter Umar Nurmagomedov (18-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) to get the next title shot. If victorious, Abdelaziz wants to see Nurmagomedov fight O’Malley in his first title defense, even though O’Malley would be coming off a lopsided title loss.

Cory Sandhagen believes that Umar Nurmagomedov will beat Merab Dvalishvili when they eventually fight for the title

Newly crowned bantamweight champion, Merab Dvalishvili takes a U-turn and claims himself to be a "company man," ready to warrant Umar the title shot.