Merab Dvalishvili recently won the UFC bantamweight title by defeating Sean O’Malley at UFC 306. Three months later, the fighter is currently scheduled to defend his championship against top contender Umar Nurmagomedov. However, this is just the beginning as the champion plans to follow Alex Pereira‘s level of activity.
Ahead of UFC 311, Dvalishvili recently did an interview with UFC where he answered some questions about his upcoming fight. During the conversation, when asked about his future, the Georgian star talked about potentially fighting thrice in 2025. He laid down the whole plan and the opponents he might be fighting against.
I want to be busy in 2025. I’m fighting early on January 18th, and I wanna be busy. I know O’Malley wants to come back in April, I think Petr will be ready in March. So, maybe fight Petr in March, rematch [O’Malley] in April. And whoever is the next contender, I will clear the division again.
Merab Dvalishvili via UFC
In 2024, UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira made a remarkable statement by defending his title three times. He knocked out each of his opponents and set a new benchmark for champion activity. This happened at a time when many champions faced criticism for avoiding tough matchups. Pereira’s willingness to consistently step into the octagon was a refreshing change.
Merab Dvalishvili wants to defend his title 3 times in 4 months in 2025 👀
“I want to be busy in 2025… I think Petr will be ready in March, so maybe fight Petr in March, rematch [O’Malley] in April.”
🎥 @ufc #UFC #MMA #UFC311pic.twitter.com/tdlQB3CcW5
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) December 29, 2024
Merab Dvalishvili has already fought some of the biggest names in the UFC bantamweight division. However, given his fighting style and cardio, it won’t be surprising to see him accomplish what he wants to achieve. But before that, he has to go against the challenge in front of him.
Former UFC champion questions the matchmaking of Merab Dvalishvili vs. Umar Nurmagomedov
Right after Merab Dvalishvili won the title, it was clear that Umar Nurmagomedov was next in the line. Initially, the Georgian fighter wanted to take some time off and wasn’t eager to fight Nurmagomedov. However, the UFC ultimately made the fight, which resulted in a rivalry between both the fighters.
Merab Dvalishvili vs. Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 311 (via X/MMA Fighting)During the first press conference, the bad blood between both fighters was palpable. Merab Dvalishvili’s close friend and former champion Aljamain Sterling recently talked about this fight in an interview. During the conversation, he shared his disappointment in UFC for making this fight in quick succession.
Let’s be honest, this fight is being made on 6 weeks notice, maybe 6 1/2. For a title fight? I understand having to do that if you’re a challenger, but as a champion, you shouldn’t be relegated to those type of stipulations.
Aljamain Sterling via The Ariel Helwani Show
“Let’s be honest, [Merab x Umar] is being made on 6 weeks notice, maybe 6 1/2. For a title fight? I understand having to do that if you’re a challenger, but as a champion, you shouldn’t be relegated to those type of stipulations.”
Aljo on Merab fighting Umar at UFC 311. pic.twitter.com/WoO83aa4yZ
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) December 17, 2024
Sterling faced a similar situation during his bantamweight title reign. After defeating Henry Cejudo in May 2023, the UFC forced him to fight Sean O’Malley, despite his disinterest. Sterling was dissatisfied with the matchmaking, feeling pressured into the fight. Ultimately, ‘Aljo’ lost both the fight as well as his championship. Only time will if Dvalishvili can prevail against the Dagestani fighter.
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