'Into the conversation!' - Mario Bautista eyes Merab Dvalishvili opportunity with Umar Nurmagomedov test

Mario Bautista believes a win over Umar Nurmagomedov can lay a path to an opportunity with Merab Dvalishvili if he triumphs at UFC 321.

The star faces off with another top operator in the UFC Bantamweight division in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, seeking to extend his hot streak.

Nurmagomedov, who previously lost to Dvalishvili in January, has been tipped by many to secure a rematch if he takes victory this weekend.

But before their bout, Bautista has laid down his own ambitions, while acknowledging he expects Dvalishvili to beat Petr Yan in his next fight.

"I think it definitely does," he exclusively told DAZN News. "He had a close fight with the champion, he has a great spot in the rankings.

"He trains at a great gym. He has that last name. A win over him throws me into the conversation. But Merab is on another level right now.

"I have him [to win against Yan]. He's just getting better. I don't think I've seen Yan get better in the meantime. He's always been good.

"But he hasn't really changed anything up too. Merab is looking better when it comes to his finishes, his striking. I have him in that fight."

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Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley fight on Saturday, October 25, to become the WBO mandatory challenger to Oleksandr Usyk. Watch the fight and undercard live and exclusive on DAZN PPV.

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