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.

Dvalishvili will enter the Octagon as an underdog to fast-rising star Umar Nurmagomedov, who is looking to replicate the championship success of his cousin, former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Umar Nurmagomedov will look to add another major title to his team at UFC 311. Nurmagomedov (18-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) challenges bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili (18-4 MMA, 11-2 UFC) in Saturday's co-main event (pay-per-view,

Two of the final disciples of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov headline UFC 311 on Saturday night. Islam Makhachev and Umar Nurmagomedov tip the marquee in separate title bouts in Los Angeles, under the guidance of Abdulmanap's son,

Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov is now one of the top coaches in the sport. Two of his fighters compete at the top of the UFC 311 fight card.