After stepping in as the backup at UFC 299, Merab Dvalishvili found himself rooting for Sean O’Malley to emerge victorious over Marlon “Chito” Vera, eagerly anticipating a potential showdown between them for the title.
His hopes materialized when O’Malley convincingly defeated Vera over five rounds, solidifying a clear-cut decision victory. However, instead of focusing on the top contender in his own division, the reigning UFC bantamweight champion, O’Malley, once again directed his attention towards featherweight champion Ilia Topuria. Dvalishvili, typically composed, couldn’t hide his disappointment, especially as the UFC captured his reaction from the front row during the main event.
After the event concluded, Dvalishvili approached O’Malley backstage with the intention of offering congratulations, but his demeanor quickly shifted.
Dvalishvili recounted the encounter in an interview with MMA Fighting.
“Let me tell the whole thing. We are watching the fights, of course I want O’Malley to win because I want to fight the superstar, the champion, the O’Malley. I want to challenge myself. I’m there, O’Malley wins and then he made a call out but he don’t call me out. I was so mad. Like come on O’Malley, especially he’s talking about he’s going to knock me out. Please, then fight me and knock me out, show the world. Let’s fight! If you say world, you’re going to knock me out and you make fun of [my] nose. Who cares about my nose? It’s a fight. It’s a skill, it’s a fight, it’s a challenge.
“Anyways, I was mad and I moved to backstage and he’s coming. I want to shake his hand and say congratulations to him and when I touch his hand, I said congratulations, bro, and he kind of ignored me. He don’t even look at me. So again, I’m mad again. Like look at me and shake my hand. You don’t even shake my hand? I did mention, hey bro, you should mention my name. Then, he’s like I don’t even know who you are and then I’m mad again. Come on, you don’t even know who I am? What the heck.”
Sean O’Malley later admitted that he recognized Dvalishvili when approached, but opted to playfully claim ignorance of the person addressing him.
Despite the momentary frustration, Dvalishvili didn’t dwell on the interaction, accustomed to O’Malley calling out various opponents while avoiding mentioning his name.
Dvalishvili opened as a significant favorite for the fight, which he believes explains O’Malley’s reluctance to face him.
“I was there and I was rooting for O’Malley because I want to fight him and then he called out Ilia [Topuria] and I know this fight is not going to happen. “He’s still not mentioning my name. I don’t want to say ducking me or something but come on, bro, let’s build this fight. Let’s make it even bigger. I don’t understand why. You are champion. Before I understand, he wasn’t fighting top 15 guys, he was fighting outside the ranks and the only top guy he fought was Petr Yan and we all know that was a close fight and then they give to him [Aljamain Sterling] on short notice for Aljo and he got lucky. Now give the division respect.
“You’ve got to fight the best of the best. You’ve got to fight the No. 1 contenders, especially [since] I’m here waiting. I was so pissed but now I don’t care. I’m good. I was just mad but as long as he’s going to fight me, I’ll be fine.”
Regardless of O’Malley’s tactics, Dvalishvili remains unfazed, confident that the UFC will deliver on their promised title shot after his dominant victory over former two-division champion Henry Cejudo in his last fight.
“I don’t care if he mentions my name or not but the UFC knows I’m next. UFC is not going to let him go somewhere [else], he just defends his belt. It’s not a stupid video game. It’s the UFC and we’ve got to respect the company and respect the people and we’ve got to give people want they want.”
Since defeating Henry Cejudo in February, Dvalishvili has felt a surge of support, eagerly awaiting the call with the official date and location for his showdown against O’Malley.
Recognizing the importance of fan support in securing title opportunities, Dvalishvili acknowledges the backing he’s received on social media and the enthusiastic reception from crowds during recent appearances in Miami and Mexico City, convinced that fans are eagerly anticipating a clash between him and O’Malley.
“I want to tell all my fans, all MMA fans and everyone, thanks for all the support. They really see hard work and they really hard behind the hard working guy. Maybe I’m not a superstar like O’Malley but I’m working hard.
“I have 12 fights in the UFC and I should be 12-0. I got robbed in the first two fights and if you guys go and watch my first fights in the UFC, I win those fights but I moved on. I’m just focused on winning and fighting and I put all my hard work and dedication to this sport because I love it.”
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