Dvalishvili will also need to be mindful inside of scrambles given his propensity to expose his back when returning to standing positions. As Nurmagomedov has already shown in the octagon, the Dagestani fighter is incredibly systematic and effective when it comes to breaking down his opponents from rear mount and riding positions.

Merab Dvalishvili is set for the first defense of his UFC bantamweight title against undefeated contender Umar Nurmagomedov this Saturday at UFC 311 in Los Angeles. In the buildup to the fight, heated accusations of disrespect have come from both camps.

Umar Nurmagomedov is widely compared to his Hall of Fame cousin. But has the real "next Khabib" been in front of our faces this whole time?