Merab Dvalishvili defeated Sean O’Malley at UFC 306 to become the new UFC bantamweight champion. The Georgian star delivered an all-out overpowering effort, leaving no doubt about his title victory. However, even after becoming the champion, Dvalishvili has maintained some of his previous behaviors, which may concern Dana White.
Last night, UFC Paris saw a variety of incredible fights that kept the French fans on their toes. From gruesome injuries to epic post-fight interviews, it had everything. Merab Dvalishvili was also present there to watch the event and found himself in the middle of a verbal altercation. A video has since gone viral where the fighter was seen arguing with a fan in the stands from UFC Paris.
This is not the fighter’s first time being embroiled in such activities. Before his battle with O’Malley, Dvalishvili confronted a spectator who allegedly mocked him from the stands. Incidents like these occur frequently when supporters take it upon themselves to mock the boxers. Aside from Dvalishvili, top featherweight Brian Ortega was also involved in such an altercation at UFC 306.
😂🇫🇷 Merab gets into altercation with fans in France.
🎥 tuco300 pic.twitter.com/kPvfBIy1Xy— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) September 28, 2024
From threatening fans to cutting his own stitches, Merab Dvalishvili is a unique fighter. CEO Dana White has never been a fan of Dvalishvili’s antics and has frequently called him out for his ‘stupidity’. However, nobody does it better than the new bantamweight king when it comes to putting on a dominating performance.
Merab Dvalishvili sends a chilling warning to his detractors
After Merab Dvalishvili became the new champion, he was immediately challenged by the number one title contender, Umar Nurmagomedov. Dvalishvili never liked the fighter’s rise to the top and questioned his credentials as a contender. According to the ‘Machine,’ Deiveson Figueiredo is a better contender than Nurmagomedov.
Merab Dvalishvili (via X/MMA Fighting)However, this was welcomed by a variety of criticism from fight fans who accused the fighter of ducking the Dagestani. This prompted Nurmagomedov to try his best to push for his title contention. Dvalishvili seems frustrated and has snapped back at his critics by reminding them about his title run.
I smacked Petr Yan’s a** like a b****, I carried Henry Cejudo like a baby, I kissed Sean O’Mawlley like his daddy BUT I will simply SMASH Umar if the UFC puts him in front of me next.
Merab Dvalishvili via X
I smacked Petr Yan’s a** like a b****, I carried Henry Cejudo like a baby, I kissed Sean O’Malley like his daddy BUT I will simply SMASH Umar if the UFC puts him in front of me next. 💯
— Merab “The Machine” Dvalishvili (@MerabDvalishvil) September 28, 2024
Merab Dvalishvili also discussed the possibility of a rematch with Sean O’Malley following his many claims of being robbed. Team Khabib, on the other side, believes Nurmagomedov will be granted a title opportunity. Given the drama, watching what happens in the future will be interesting.
