LOS ANGELES — Merab Dvalishvili defeated Umar Nurmagomedov in one of the greatest displays of mixed martial arts in the modern era, by way of unanimous decision, to advance his pro record to 23 wins from 27 fights.

Despite being the listed underdog, energetic bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili successfully defended his title at UFC 311 and became the first fighter to defeat Umar Nurmagomedov.

Merab Dvalishvili is inevitable. Despite Umar Nurmagomedov's best efforts in his first crack at UFC gold, Dvalishvili (19-4 MMA, 12-2 UFC) proved his championship metal by getting better as the fight reached deep waters.

Tomorrow night in the co-main event of UFC 311, the bantamweight title is on the line. The two most dominant forces in the bantamweight division will clash as the champion Merab Dvalishvili (18-4) takes on his toughest test in the undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov (18-0).