Merab Dvalishvili hopes to get his title shot sooner slightly than later however till then he’ll tackle the backup function for the primary occasion at UFC 299.
The highest-ranked bantamweight contender, who secured his personal alternative to grow to be champion with a win over Henry Cejudo at UFC 298, will fly to Miami on Wednesday and hit the dimensions on Friday because the backup for the title struggle between Sean O’Malley and Marlon “Chito” Vera.
Dvalishvili’s supervisor Oren Hodak of KO Reps confirmed his standing because the backup on Tuesday when chatting with MMA Preventing.
It’s grow to be customary apply for the UFC to take care of a backup for fights like this one simply in case catastrophe strikes within the days or hours main as much as an occasion. Whereas Dvalishvili is already anticipated to face the winner someday later this yr, the Georgian native will get a great take a look at his potential opposition throughout UFC 299 struggle week.
At present using a 10-fight win streak within the division, many imagine Dvalishvili ought to truly already be combating in the primary occasion however O’Malley will get the possibility to avenge his solely loss within the UFC as a substitute. Vera beat O’Malley again in 2020 and he’ll look to duplicate that success within the title struggle on Saturday.
As a part of his duties, Dvalishvili will weigh in on Friday alongside each important occasion fighters the place he’s anticipated to make championship weight at 135 kilos in case his companies are wanted.
O’Malley and Vera are scheduled to fulfill within the five-round important occasion on Saturday with the bantamweight title bout headlining UFC 299 from the Kaseya Heart in Miami.
