The brotherhood between Merab Dvalishvili and Aljamain Sterling has introduced a singular problem for UFC matchmakers. The 2 top-ranked bantamweight fighters have refused to face one another, resulting in Dvalishvili quickly placing his championship aspirations on maintain throughout Sterling’s reign within the 135-pound division.
Sterling just lately dropped the bantamweight championship to Sean O’Malley at UFC 292. Whereas he is vying for a direct rematch, he has additionally expressed his want for his teammate, Merab Dvalishvili, to contend for the title as a substitute ought to he not obtain that rapid alternative.
Nonetheless, this robust camaraderie has garnered criticism from the media and quite a few MMA followers, who’ve taken concern with Dvalishvili’s stance all through the state of affairs. Even UFC President Dana White has publicly criticized the Georgian fighter, elevating questions on his preliminary motivations for becoming a member of the group.
With all that in thoughts, Merab Dvalishvili just lately took to X (previously Twitter) and delivered to the forefront a compelling narrative about media bias in the entire state of affairs. In line with him, the distinction turns into extra evident with the notably muted response to Sean O’Malley’s disregard for Dvalishvili’s persistent call-outs up to now:
“Each UFC win since my 1st in 2018 I known as out @SugaSeanMMA @ufc and Sean ignored my name outs. I say I do not need to combat my teammate and brother @funkmasterMMA and the media goes loopy! If there isn’t a rapid rematch I’m Number one for this Title match. There needs to be NO query.”
Try Dvaslishvili’s tweet beneath:
Merab Dvalishvili’s supervisor challenges UFC president Dana White’s criticism
Merab Dvalishvili’s supervisor has fired again at UFC president Dana White’s criticism of the fighter’s choice to step apart for a possible title shot. White had overtly expressed his frustration with Dvalishvili’s reluctance to compete towards his shut pal and coaching associate, Aljamain Sterling.
Dvalishvili’s supervisor, Oren Hodak, responded by affirming their readiness to vie for the championship and emphasised that neither fighter would harbor resentment if the opposite received the chance.
Hodak’s assertion conveyed a dedication to the core spirit of figuring out the world’s finest fighter. He additionally dismissed the thought of reserving Chito Vera as Sean O’Malley’s subsequent opponent. Hodak took to X to fireplace again at Dana White’s criticism, writing:
“I agree, let’s discover out who the perfect on the planet is. I can let you know it aint #6 Chito Vera. Merab is 100% prepared for a title combat in December. Aljo can also be prepared. Neither might be salty if the opposite will get it. Let’s have a look at if this performs out true to sport and discovering out who’s the perfect.”
Try Hodak’s tweet beneath:
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Edited by Abhishek Nambiar