Merab Dvalishvili is the number one contender in the UFC’s bantamweight division. Dvalishvili also has the longest active winning streak in the division. However, he did not fight for the title as Aljamain Sterling, his best friend and training partner, was the champion. The decision was met with criticism, especially from UFC CEO Dana White. Nonetheless, that seems to have changed.
Sterling lost the bantamweight title to Sean O’Malley, who defended it against Marlon Vera. Dvalishvili is next in line, and Dana White has confirmed the same, though no official confirmation has come up. In his recent appearance on the Coach and the Casual podcast, Dvalishvili revealed the nature of his relationship with the CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Of course, I love Dana [White]. You know, he’s, um, he created this company—not created, I mean, he grew it up, he did so much for this company. But, um, he’s, he’s the boss, you know? And who doesn’t love a boss, you know what I’m saying, when it comes to business and money and like this, you know? I respect him, I watch his interviews, they inspire me.
Merab Dvalishvili via the Coach and the Casual
Nonetheless, he revealed his surprise when he saw Dana White criticizing him for refusing to fight Sterling. Dvalishvili stated the UFC never offered a contract to fight Sterling and hence didn’t know why White said what he said.
After O’Malley defended the title against Vera at UFC 299, Dvalishvili made a series of skits with an O’Malley look-a-like. His recent skit caught the eye of Conor McGregor, who expressed interest in headlining UFC 306, with O’Malley vs. Dvalishvili as co-main event.
Merab Dvalishvili on a hypothetical fight between podcast host and Dana White
Merab Dvalishvili was the latest guest on the Coach and the Casual podcast hosted by Ramsy Nijem and Kyle Deever. Nijem is an ex-UFC fighter who fought Tony Ferguson in the Ulitmate Fighter Season finale. Moreover, he even has a TKO victory over Beneil Dariush.
Dana White and Merab Dvalishvili (Image via: IMAGO)On the other hand, Deever does not have any combat sports experience. As such, Deever claiming to defeat smaller fighters is a running joke on the podcast, like that of Bradley Martyn. In the recent episode of the podcast, Deever inquired whether he could defeat Dana White to Dvalishvili.
This week, we’re pumped to have Merab Dvalishvili on the mic! 🥊 Join Ramsey and Kyle as they chat with the UFC’s bantamweight #1 contender. Trust us, you don’t want to miss this, Merab demonstrates his submission skills on the Casual.
Watch the Full Episode on Youtube or… pic.twitter.com/wcIBsGaWli
— The Coach And The Casual (@coachandcasual) May 1, 2024
Dvalishvili had a hilarious response. After all, the Georgian’s social media platforms are full of hilarious skits. He stated Deever would defeat White if he had any weapons on him. A hilarious Nijem suggested a gun, citing White trains regularly.
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