Umar Nurmagomedov criticized Aljamain Sterling for returning to Championship shot support

Umar Nurmagomedov, one of the brightest stars in the UFC bantamweight division, is making waves as he pushes for a title shot. The undefeated contender has taken issue with how bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili, along with former champion Aljamain Sterling, have handled his pursuit of a championship bout. Despite his impressive performance in the Octagon, Nurmagomedov finds himself caught in a web of challenges—both inside the cage and in the court of public opinion.

The Sterling-Nurmagomedov Backstory

Umar Nurmagomedov, currently ranked No. 2 in the UFC bantamweight rankings, has been vocal about his desire to face Merab Dvalishvili for the bantamweight title. However, Dvalishvili, who recently won the title from Sterling, has been adamant that Nurmagomedov does not yet deserve a shot. This stance has been reinforced by Sterling, who has backed his teammate’s viewpoint, creating a bit of tension between the fighters.

Nurmagomedov recently called attention to a tweet from Aljamain Sterling made after his victory over Cory Sandhagen in August 2023. Following that win, Sterling praised Nurmagomedov, tweeting, “Umar earns his title shot.” This statement seemed to contradict Sterling’s more recent comments, where he expressed doubts about Nurmagomedov’s readiness for a title bout. Nurmagomedov, noticing the shift in Sterling’s opinion, used this tweet to call out Sterling for what he sees as inconsistency.

Sterling’s View on Nurmagomedov’s Rise

Aljamain Sterling, in a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, shared his theory on why Umar Nurmagomedov hasn’t received a title fight yet. Sterling suggested that Nurmagomedov’s rise in the UFC may be tied to his family name, referencing his famous cousin, Khabib Nurmagomedov. According to Sterling, some may perceive Umar’s success as a result of family support and fame rather than his own individual accomplishments in the sport.

“I’m not saying he’s not good,” Sterling clarified, “but you’ve got to cut your teeth in this game, not riding the coattails of your family’s merit.” Sterling emphasized the importance of fighters “earning their seat at the table” and stressed that fighters must work their way up through skill and merit, not just rely on family fame. This sentiment, he believes, is crucial for both personal and professional growth in the sport.

The Push for a Title Shot

Despite Sterling’s concerns, Umar Nurmagomedov remains undefeated with 18 wins in his professional MMA career, including seven via submission and two by knockout. His most significant victory to date came when he defeated Cory Sandhagen in August 2023, solidifying his position as one of the top contenders in the bantamweight division. With such an impressive record, many fans and analysts argue that Nurmagomedov deserves a shot at the title.

However, Merab Dvalishvili has continued to maintain that Nurmagomedov still needs to prove himself further before a title fight can be booked. While Dvalishvili has said he would accept a fight with Nurmagomedov, he has also emphasized that there are other contenders who need to be considered first.

The Road Ahead for Umar Nurmagomedov

As the UFC bantamweight division continues to evolve, Umar Nurmagomedov’s quest for a title shot remains uncertain. He will likely need to overcome not only the physical challenges in the Octagon but also the politics of the sport. With his undefeated record and a growing list of high-profile victories, it is only a matter of time before he earns a shot at the bantamweight championship—provided he can prove to fighters like Sterling and Dvalishvili that he is ready for the ultimate challenge.

For now, Nurmagomedov continues to make his case, and it will be interesting to see how his journey unfolds in the highly competitive bantamweight landscape.