Merab Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov share a tense exchange during UFC 311 pre-fight press conference

During a UFC 311 pre-fight press conference, UFC Bantamweight Champion Merab Dvalishvili initiates a tense exchange with his opponent, Umar Nurmagomedov. Merab directly asks Umar where he is from, attempting to stir up local or regional rivalries ahead of their matchup. Umar responds calmly into his microphone, stating that he is from Russia and Dagestan. Upon hearing this, Merab breaks into loud, exaggerated laughter. Annoyed by the reaction, Umar questions why Merab is laughing and challenges him to ask another fighter on the stage, Arman Tsarukyan, where he is from.