“We’re Clearing Divisions” is open to winners. Sandhagen-Vera Next
LAS VEGAS, NV — Georgian bantamweight Merab Dvalishvili’s resume is starting to look like the UFC’s 135-pound ‘who’s’ hit show.
At UFC Las Vegas, “The Machine” captured his second consecutive UFC Championship. By studying with former bantamweight king Petr Yan to end their fierce rivalry. He also extended his current win streak to nine.
Many viewers were shocked by the one-sided turn of events, which saw Dvalishvili stand on his feet. Chewing Yan’s lead leg and crowning the ground. in which he clearly had the advantage
Dvalishvili himself was not surprised, although he felt a fair bit of pressure in the fight. But he admitted after the match. speaking to media outlets including Cageside Press at The Theater at Virgin Hotels.
“I’m not surprised. But I’m just worried that I want to show up. i want to appear And I don’t want any accidents to happen. I have extra pressure to represent my country, my people and my team,” explains Dvalishvili (16-4). “We are working hard. And I want to be a good representative.”
Fighting Yan is personal. And losing was not an option for a bitter opponent who lashed out at him during the weigh-in. Because he is a great fighter like I said before. But he was a little cocky. I love fighters because they are humble. they are good But I don’t think this guy is a very good person.”
Having said that, Dvalishvili believes he was right on point. and earned Yan’s respect, “In the past, he didn’t respect me. But now he’ll respect me, I have a heart, and that’s all. I’m not saying I’m the best. but i want to be the best I don’t want to win for myself. I want to be a good example for people. I always talk about where I came from and now I’m on top. If I can do it, everyone can too.”
However, Dvalishvili hasn’t peaked yet, with Sean O’Malley sitting ahead of him in the bantamweight rankings (and Yan himself, but that should change this week) and of course there’s fellow and doubles champion Aljamain Sterling. Merab’s drill that he won’t fight with.
Others are fair game, however. “I can fight anyone. I just want to fight, I want to fight, I want to fight, whoever UFC chooses me to fight, I fight, I have no problem,” he said Saturday. “This is a good problem to have two best friends. two teammates My best friend is a champion. I’m number one [fighters]. We are dividing parties. That’s a good feeling.”
Cory Sandhagen vs. Chito Vera is a pivotal bout in the upcoming bantamweight division, and Dvalishvili opens up to face the winner. “I would love to fight the winner of that. Aljo actually said he wanted to go see this fight. And I want to go too. Let’s see, if they want that fight to me, I’ll take it.”
Earlier in the week, Dvalishvili met with the biggest mixed martial arts star ever, Conor McGregor, a meeting that excited the Georgia fighter.
“I am very happy to meet him. Because I always want to thank him. for what he has done to this sport He’s charming and humble— He told me he liked my level change and shots. say it’s beautiful he likes my job That was a big compliment from him. he’s a big star He continued to work hard after [the] Khabib fight i respect him a lot because he show heart He showed strength, he was a warrior, and he was a very good person. He came to take pictures with me and Aljoe. And he is good to us.
For Dwalishvili, That’s the whole fight. And it’s where he finds what Peter Yan is missing. They were all humble and nice people, but Peter, I remember when I saw Peter four years ago. And he looked down like a bully.”
“He wants to fight everyone,” Dvalishvili added, meaning Yan held himself like he was above the other fighters.
He will be under Dvalishvili when the rankings update later this week, however.
Watch the full UFC Las Vegas post-fight press conference with Merab Dvalishvili above.
