Merab Dvalishvili has patiently awaited his chance at a title shot for a long time now. However, Sean O’Malley’s impressive knockout win over Aljamain Sterling yesterday at the headliner of UFC 292 has finally created an opening for that opportunity.
Previously, despite Merab’s impressive winning streak, he had not been particularly eager to face the reigning champion, most likely due to his close friendship with The Funk Master. However, this situation seems to have changed following O’Malley’s victory at the TD Garden in Boston.
Merab Dvalishvili proposes Sean O’Malley vs Aljamain Sterling rematch alternative
Currently holding the top rank in the UFC’s bantamweight division, Dvalishvili has declined the chance to fight his friend and former division champion, Sterling, which would have made sense given their career trajectories.
Merab Dvalishvili criticises referee for early stoppage in Aljamain Sterling vs Sean O'Malley fight 👀🤔 pic.twitter.com/5omYQl3bOl
— Best MMA Moments (@XcellentMMA) August 20, 2023
Merab now shares his new perspective that Sugar’s victory might not have been entirely fair to Sterling. According to “The Machine” the referee might have stopped the fight prematurely, and he thinks Sterling deserves a rematch opportunity.
“If Sean O’Malley ducks Aljo for a rematch then I want to beat his skinny ass for the Belt!” Merab said.
Dvalishvili creating waves in bantamweight division by smashing Khabib’s record
In his most recent octagon bout at The Theater at Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas, Dvalishvili secured a significant triumph over former bantamweight champion Petr Yan. Dvalishvili, boasting an impressive streak of nine consecutive victories, also managed to surpass Khabib Nurmagomedov’s record with this recent win.
🛑 Aljamain Sterling : Merab Dvalishvili Will Be Next BW Champion 👑🏆
🔗Link 👉 https://t.co/da6olLgf2P#ufc292 #ufc #AljamainSterling #SeanOmalley #MerabDvalishvili #mma #mmanews #ufcnews pic.twitter.com/X5M3mZT2yv— KSV ONE SIX (@Ksv16official) August 21, 2023
The renowned lightweight fighter from Dagestan previously held the record for the most takedowns in UFC with 61 in his first 13 fights. Remarkably, Merab broke this record by making 74 takedowns in only 11 fights, highlighting his exceptional potential and prowess as a fighter.
Surpassing the records of a UFC legend is a feat that’s far from ordinary, yet the Georgian has undeniably made a reputation for himself within the bantamweight division. Merab’s accomplishments positioned him as a strong contender for the 135-lb title.
Merab Dvalishvili is the only deserving contender for the Bantamweight title shot right now 🏆
I'm not Merab fan I'm just saying fact ✅ pic.twitter.com/RIouQvITTj
— Send Me Location (@ControlYourHips) August 21, 2023
Do you think Sean O’Malley should face Merab Dvalishvili next in the title defense bout? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section.
