As the anticipation builds for UFC 299, the bantamweight title clash between champion Sean O’Malley and challenger Marlon Vera takes center stage. But behind the scenes, another fighter is poised to make a significant impact: Merab Dvalishvili.
Merab Dvalishvili: The Ready Guardian of UFC 299
UFC 299 is heading for Kaseya Center in Miami this Saturday, 9th March with another mouth-watering fight card, headlined by the 135-pound title fight between “Sugar” and “Chito”, serving as a rematch to their UFC 252 clash from August 2020 which saw Vera emerging victorious.
Should anything go awry in the final hours leading up to the main event, Dvalishvili will be ready. The Georgian fighter (17-4 MMA, 10-2 UFC) is preparing to travel to Florida, intending to make weight on Friday morning. His mission? To serve as the official backup fighter for the title bout. Oren Hodak of KO Reps confirmed this crucial role, ensuring that the show goes on smoothly.
Dvalishvili is riding a remarkable 10-fight winning streak, a testament to his skill and determination. His most recent outing in the Octagon- a unanimous decision victory over former two-division champion Henry Cejudo at UFC 298 back in February solidified his No. 1 contender status.
“Whoever will be champion, I’m going to face him next,” said Dvalishvili in the cage following the win over Cejudo. “I’ve been calling Sean O’Malley since 2018. … My only goal is for the title now.” [H/T MMA Junkie]
A Pink Panty Night?
The UFC has assigned backup fighters for title bouts in recent years, although their services have rarely been needed. But Dvalishvili isn’t taking any chances. His readiness to step in at a moment’s notice reflects his hunger for gold. As the official backup, he’ll be watching closely, ready to seize his title shot opportunity.
While all eyes will be on O’Malley and Vera, Merab Dvalishvili stands in the wings—a silent guardian, prepared to step into the spotlight if fate demands it. Whether it’s a pink panty night or a gold belt night, Dvalishvili’s presence ensures that UFC 299 will be a memorable event.
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