LAS VEGAS – Merab Dvalishvili needs a title shot, however he’ll decline if supplied.
It’s an uncommon predicament, one that’s oftentimes thought-about however by no means truly skilled by UFC contenders. His finest pal and predominant coaching companion Aljamain Sterling occurs to be in the identical division – and occurs to be champion.
Together with his efficiency Saturday at UFC Struggle Night time 221, Dvalishvili (16-4 MMA, 9-2 UFC) could in any other case have secured himself a title shot with a dominant, smothering efficiency of former titleholder Petr Yan (16-5 MMA, 8-4 UFC).
Nonetheless, Dvalishvili, who has indicated positivity is a pillar of his character, isn’t bothered by the circumstances which have him passing on a chance many different fighters would snatch in a heartbeat.
“I’ll struggle anyone (else),” Dvalishvili informed MMA Junkie and different reporters at a post-fight information convention. “I wish to be busy, and I’ll struggle anyone. I wish to be busy. Whoever. Whoever the UFC chooses for me to struggle, I’ll struggle. I don’t don’t have any drawback. This a great drawback to have: two finest mates, two teammates. My finest pal is champion, and I’m one of many high (contenders). It is a good drawback to have. We’re cleansing the division.”
The collective plan among the many LAW MMA crew is for Sterling to defend his title Could 6 in opposition to Henry Cejudo at UFC 288 in Newark, N.J. After that, a title protection in opposition to Sean O’Malley is likely to be within the playing cards.
Whereas it’s been hinted Sterling may make a featherweight try to achieve new heights within the sport and clear the way in which for him at bantamweight, Dvalishvili mentioned he may drop to flyweight if he wished, although it’s unlikely.
“It will be a troublesome minimize, but it surely’s doable,” Dvalishvili mentioned. “Proper now, I’m comfy at 135. I don’t wish to make any modifications proper now. It’s doable as a result of I minimize solely 20 kilos. I do an previous model. I don’t use a scorching tub. I don’t use water hundreds. I simply do my very own one thing loopy and I all the time make weight. I don’t assume proper now. It’s doable for me to make 125 however I don’t see why I ought to try this proper now.”
Dvalishvili may need to struggle another time earlier than Sterling vacates and he appears at peace with that. March 25 at UFC on ESPN 43 in San Antonio, two high contenders, Marlon Vera and Cory Sandhagen sq. off. Dvalishvili welcomes the winner.
“Completely. I might like to struggle the winner of them,” Dvalishvili mentioned. “I might like to. Really, Aljo was saying he needs to go watch this struggle and I might like to go, too. Let’s see. In the event that they wish to give me that struggle, I’ll take it. Look, somebody requested me earlier than. I believe the winner of this, in the event that they needed to struggle me, let’s see what the UFC chooses. I’m prepared to struggle anyone. No drawback.”
For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC Struggle Night time 221.
