Merab Dvalishvili has accepted Henry Cejudo’s callout, however he can’t combat till the top of the yr.
After getting edged out by bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling at UFC 288, Cejudo (16-3 MMA, 10-3 UFC) wished to get again to the title image via Sterling’s teammate, Dvalishvili (16-4 MMA, 9-2 UFC).
Sterling is predicted to defend his title towards Sean O’Malley on Aug. 19 at UFC 292, and Cejudo hoped to face Dvalishvili on the identical card. However with Dvalishvili not too long ago present process hand surgical procedure, “The Machine” gained’t be prepared till the final quarter of 2023.
“I used to be injured earlier than my final combat,” Dvalishvili advised The Schmo. “I punched someone within the gymnasium, and I broke some bones. I used to be injured, however I nonetheless fought Yan. I wanted surgical procedure, (which) I did final Tuesday. Now I’m recovering. I will punch in three months, and I will prepare once more in six weeks. However punch, I want three months to punch. …
“No, I gained’t be capable to combat as a result of I want to coach once more. I have to prepare. I don’t suppose I’ll be prepared for August. However possibly, we’ll see, one other time. For certain (within the fall or late 2023). I’m gonna begin operating quickly. I’m gonna begin swimming. After this will probably be to heal up and all the pieces. I’ll be prepared, man.”
In his win over Petr Yan at UFC Combat Night time 221, Dvalishvili tried 49 takedowns – the single-fight file for an octagon bout. In Cejudo, he’d be going up towards an Olympic gold medalist wrestler, however Dvalishvili is assured in his wrestling.
“I’m a fighter,” Dvalishvili mentioned. “I do know he’s an Olympic-champion wrestler, however that is MMA. I can combat anyplace. Even when he desires wrestling, no drawback. Everyone is aware of my wrestling is just too good – for MMA. Olympic guidelines, in fact he’ll beat me, like in straight wrestling. However straight MMA is the place it counts.”
