Merab Dvalishvili has circled the bantamweight showdown on the main card of UFC 321. With the belt around his waist and contenders thinning out across the UFC, the champion says he’ll be watching Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Mario Bautista like a scout with homework—because the winner could be staring at him next. Asked for a pick, Dvalishvili didn’t hesitate: he likes Bautista’s chances in a fast-paced, three-rounder. If you want a quick look at the matchup, here’s the bout page: Fight: Nurmagomedov vs. Bautista.
Why Merab leans Bautista at UFC 321
The champion’s reasoning is pragmatic. Over three rounds, Bautista’s variety—level changes, pocket counters, and clinch scrambles—can steal minutes and swing rounds. Dvalishvili notes that tempo is the battleground: Bautista thrives when he forces resets and makes opponents work through layers. It’s the same playbook that helped the champ bank wins over elite names like Cory Sandhagen and Sean O'Malley, and it’s why he believes Bautista can keep Nurmagomedov off his preferred rhythm.
The case for Umar—and the wrinkle Merab sees
Of course, ignoring Umar would be a mistake. His back-takes and trip chains are as slick as any in the division, and his reads get sharper as rounds pile up. But Dvalishvili thinks the sprint favors Bautista; the marathon favors Umar. In five rounds, Merab says, the Dagestani’s attritional grappling grows teeth. Over three? He believes Bautista’s burst scoring can edge it.
Title picture: how Saturday shapes tomorrow
If Bautista wins, Dvalishvili calls it “new blood”—exactly what the division needs. If Nurmagomedov wins, Merab still thinks a second high-level victory should be required before a rematch, especially with the champion focused on active defenses. Meanwhile, former king Petr Yan remains a permanent measuring stick for the weight class, and cross-promotional buzz keeps floating names like Patchy Mix in “what if” conversations fans love to have.
Event hub & key links
Track the card from the source: UFC 321: Aspinall vs. Gane on the official UFC page. Dive deeper on fighters: Merab Dvalishvili, Umar Nurmagomedov, Mario Bautista, plus division anchors like Sean O'Malley, Petr Yan, and technician-in-chief Cory Sandhagen. Don’t miss the bout sheet: Fight: Nurmagomedov vs. Bautista.
Quick take
Merab’s pick: Bautista in a three-round scramble that hinges on mid-cage control and short, high-value bursts. If he’s right, the champion may have his next fresh challenger in waiting.
