Bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili made a remarkable comeback at UFC 311, defeating Umar Nurmagomedov by unanimous decision. In the lead-up to the fight, Dvalishvili was dealing with multiple injuries, including a leg cut and an infected shin wound that left him unable to use it for training. He also had back issues after pinching a nerve during a workout.
Despite his physical challenges, Dvalishvili’s mental toughness shone through in the cage. His coach, John Wood, credited Dvalishvili’s ability to “lock in” and switch into a different mindset once the weight cut was done with helping him secure the victory.
After losing the first two rounds on two judges’ scorecards, Dvalishvili regrouped and dominated the final three rounds, showcasing his skills and determination. Wood praised Dvalishvili’s mental resilience, saying it was something that couldn’t be taught and was a key factor in his success.
The win marks another impressive performance from Dvalishvili, who now improves to 19-4 overall and 12-2 in the UFC.
Source: https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2025/01/ufc-311-merab-dvalishvili-injuries-before-umar-nurmagomedov-title-fight