Merab Dvalishvili, a prominent figure in the UFC bantamweight division, has recently made headlines by ruling out a future move to the featherweight class. The Georgian fighter, known for his relentless pace and grappling prowess, attributed his decision to his experiences sparring with fellow countryman and current featherweight champion, Ilia Topuria.
In a candid discussion on the “Pound 4 Pound” podcast, Merab Dvalishvili shared insights into his training sessions with Topuria. He described how these sparring sessions have been a humbling experience, stating, “I’ve been sparring with [Topuria] and he destroyed me. He’s stronger than me… I’m very comfortable in my weight class here at 135 [pounds]. I don’t think I will go up and fight for the belt, it’s not gonna happen”.
Has Merab Dvalishvili made the right decision?
Merab Dvalishvili’s decision is significant, especially in an era where many fighters aspire to achieve double-champ status by competing in multiple weight classes. However, Dvalishvili emphasized that his close relationship with Topuria also plays a crucial role in his decision. He expressed a deep respect and camaraderie with Topuria, referring to him as a “brother” and stating that he would never fight him.
Despite ruling out a move to featherweight, Dvalishvili hinted at the possibility of exploring other weight classes in the future. He mentioned that certain matchups at 145 pounds or even 125 pounds could be realistic, but he remains focused on his current division for now.
As Dvalishvili prepares for his upcoming title fight against Sean O’Malley at UFC 306, his comments have sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike. With victories over notable fighters like Jose Aldo, Petr Yan, and Henry Cejudo, Dvalishvili’s journey in the bantamweight division continues to captivate the MMA community.
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