Over the years, the UFC community has witnessed multiple instances where fighters have engaged in altercations with fans. Recently, UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili found himself involved in a fan altercation at UFC 310. A few days after the incident, Dvalishvili explained what transpired during that moment and what led to the altercation.
Before the UFC 310 PPV fight night, the headlining fighters from the UFC 311 fight card gathered for a pre-fight press conference. Interestingly, Dvalishvili, who participated in the UFC 311 pre-fight presser, was also present at the UFC 310 event, where he got involved in an altercation with a fan. Days later, UFC bantamweight champion Dvalishvili detailed his side of the incident in an exclusive interview with Ariel Helwani.
I’m a man. I’m a fighter. First of all I live in a respectful way and you know some stupid dumba** disrespect me, of course, I will fight, you know I will fight… I’m a man first and if you come to my face and disrespect me, you’re gonna get slapped. Don’t try that, you know…
Merab Dvalishvili via The Ariel Helwani Show
Interestingly, this wasn’t the first time Dvalishvili encountered a heckler. However, the UFC bantamweight champion was quite disappointed with how the situation unfolded at UFC 310. Minutes after the altercation, the heckler was spotted with Dvalishvili’s upcoming rival. As a result, the newly crowned UFC bantamweight champion also made some allegations against Umar Nurmagomedov.
Merab talks altercation at UFC 310.#HelwaniShow pic.twitter.com/7YnD6G6caW
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) December 10, 2024
According to Dvalishvili, the ‘Young Eagle’ may be the one engaging in these psychological tactics. Just a few months after winning the bantamweight title, the ‘Machine’ has been scheduled to fight one of the most formidable opponents in the division. Initially, Dvalishvili was reluctant to fight Nurmagomedov, but surprisingly, he has now accepted the match and explained his reasons for doing so.
The ‘company man’ Merab Dvalishvili reveals sacrificing vacations for UFC
Merab Dvalishvili is one of the most dominant fighters in the UFC bantamweight division and is currently on an impressive winning streak. He secured his victory against Sean O’Malley, which crowned him as the bantamweight champion, marking his eleventh consecutive win. After this remarkable achievement, Dvalishvili expressed the need for some well-deserved rest before his next fight.
Umar Nurmagomedov and Merab Dvalishvili face-off (Image via UFC Fans)After Umar Nurmagomedov’s pointed criticisms and challenges, Dvalishvili felt compelled to respond. In reply, the UFC bantamweight champion accepted the challenge to face the #1 ranked bantamweight fighter. Recently, Dvalishvili disclosed that the promotion needed him for the UFC 311 pay-per-view card, and he couldn’t turn them down.
I was gonna travel little bit and I was gonna enjoy Christmas… So basically UFC needed me in January and step up, I’m a company man.
Merab Dvalishvili via The Ariel Helwani Show
Merab Dvalishvili says he was planning on travelling and going on vacation, but the UFC called and said they needed him to fight Umar in January
He says he accepted the fight because he is a “company man”
🎥 @arielhelwani #UFC311 #UFC #MMA
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) December 10, 2024
According to UFC CEO Dana White, it was Dvalishvili who advocated for this matchup. White stated that the UFC bantamweight champion was tired of the disrespect Nurmagomedov directed at him. Despite differing accounts, this drama has only heightened the excitement surrounding Dvalishvili’s first title defense fight at UFC 311.
