The sky seems to be the limit for Merab Dvalishvili.
'The Machine' continued his mean streak at UFC 298, where he bagged his 10th consecutive victory over Henry Cejudo. The former champ follows Jose Aldo and Petr Yan in defeat, all coming by way of unanimous decision.
With #1 contender status attached to his name, Dvalishvili finds himself in prime position for the next title fight. Of course, he'll have to wait for the winner of defending champ Sean O'Malley vs. Chito Vera at UFC 299.
After going three rounds with him in Anaheim, Cejudo likes Dvalishvili's chances, no matter who he faces.
"Obviously, he's got the next title shot," Cejudo said of Dvalishvili on his YouTube channel. "He's going to be there in Miami, Chito vs. Sean O'Malley. So, he will be there in person. I think either way, I think the winner or whoever fights Merab.
"I think it's going to be easy money. His pace is too ridiculous– unless O'Malley or Chito catches him early in round one or round two."
Dvalishvili's chin and ability to take a power shot has been questioned in the past. Cejudo was one fighter who did rock the Georgian in their fight a few weeks ago, but Dvalishvili recovered rapidly, leaving no room for a KO loss.
Former UFC title challenger Marlon Moraes also came close to turning off the lights for Dvalishvili at UFC 266. However, Dvalishvili weathered the storm and found a finish of his own in the aforementioned dog-fight.
"This dude could take a hit and still keep coming forward," Cejudo continued. "I've seen him get decked by Ricky Simon, still came forward. I saw him get rocked by Marlon Moraes and myself with that crazy hook. So, this guy's got an endurance man.
"The time is for him to become a world champion and that's it."
Following praise full of championship potential, Henry Cejudo would even go on to say Dvalishvili would beat another former foe of his, ex-champion Aljamain Sterling.
"I think even if he was to fight Aljamain Sterling, getting a chance to be in there with both of them, he'd beat Sterling, too," Cejudo claimed. "He really would. I think the pace that he would carry even with a guy like Sterling, I think he gets rid of him. This guy, especially in a five-round fight, it's impressive. It's impressive with that cardio."
Merab Dvalishvili and Aljamain Sterling have made it clear they will never fight each other in the UFC as they are close teammates. But, it's still interesting to think of how the hypothetical, high-level fight would play out.
If you use any quotes from this article, please leave an H/T to MMAKnockout.com for the transcription.
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