Following his dominant performance at UFC 306, where Merab Dvalishvili captured the bantamweight title by defeating Sean O’Malley via unanimous decision, the question arises: what’s next for the new champion? Dvalishvili, renowned for his relentless pace, superior grappling, and ability to neutralize top strikers, now has several intriguing contenders lining up for a shot at the title. Let's explore the most compelling options for his first title defense.

1. Umar Nurmagomedov

Umar Nurmagomedov, an undefeated Russian standout, is a highly anticipated challenger for Dvalishvili. Sitting at #2 in the bantamweight rankings as of August 2024, Nurmagomedov has steadily risen through the UFC ranks with a perfect record of 18-0. His most recent victory came against Cory Sandhagen in a title eliminator at UFC on ABC, where he showcased his well-rounded skills and exceptional fight IQ.

Nurmagomedov’s grappling is world-class, carrying the Nurmagomedov family legacy that made his cousin, Khabib Nurmagomedov, a household name in MMA. His ability to mix striking with seamless transitions into submissions makes him a dangerous threat for any opponent, including Dvalishvili. A matchup between Dvalishvili and Nurmagomedov would likely be a grappling-heavy affair, testing each fighter’s cardio and ground control in what could be a highly strategic battle.

2. Deiveson Figueiredo

Former two-time UFC Flyweight Champion Deiveson Figueiredo has transitioned to the bantamweight division with remarkable success. Following a unanimous decision victory over Marlon Vera at UFC on ABC in August 2024, Figueiredo re-established himself as a top contender at 135 pounds. Known for his explosive striking and finishing ability, Figueiredo brings a different challenge for Dvalishvili—power.

With nine knockouts and nine submissions in his career, Figueiredo is a dual-threat capable of ending fights in any position. While Dvalishvili excels in grappling, Figueiredo’s ability to neutralize opponents on the feet and threaten with submissions could test Dvalishvili's resilience. This fight would likely feature Dvalishvili’s grappling against Figueiredo’s power and unpredictability.

3. Winner of José Aldo vs. Mario Bautista (UFC 307)

A third potential option for Dvalishvili could be the winner of the featured prelim bout at UFC 307, where Brazilian legend José Aldo faces rising prospect Mario Bautista. Aldo, the former UFC Featherweight Champion and one of the most decorated fighters in MMA history, continues his career at bantamweight after a resurgence in recent years. Aldo’s sharp striking and veteran experience make him a perennial threat at 135 pounds. Though Aldo fell short against Dvalishvili in their previous bout at UFC 278, a rematch for the title would offer Aldo a chance at redemption.

On the other hand, Mario Bautista represents the new wave of bantamweight talent. With a growing fanbase and impressive performances in the octagon, Bautista’s momentum could propel him to a title shot should he emerge victorious against Aldo. A fight between Dvalishvili and Bautista would highlight a classic clash of styles, with Dvalishvili’s wrestling facing Bautista’s aggressive striking and submission game.