Dvalishvili Clears Air With Makhachev After UFC 330

Merab Dvalishvili has no issue with Islam Makhachev, despite the UFC welterweight champion believing otherwise.

Makhachev recently told Russian media that the bantamweight champ criticized his performance at UFC 330, where he defended his title against Ian Machado Garry. Dvalishvili addressed the tension Wednesday in a social media statement, clarifying what upset him about the fight, MMA Fighting reports.

Dvalishvili Explains Flag Reaction

"I like Islam Makhachev," Dvalishvili wrote. "I think he's a great and humble champion. I respect all the hard work he has put into his career, I have nothing but respect for him." The problem, he explained, was seeing Makhachev's team bring the Russian flag into the Octagon when the UFC never allowed him to carry Georgian and American flags during his five title fights.

Dvalishvili stressed his anger targets Russian politics and government actions, not the people. He cited Russia's occupation of roughly 20 percent of Georgia, conflicts in Chechnya, and the ongoing war in Ukraine. "My problem is with the government and its action, not with ordinary Russian people," he said.

The Georgian fighter acknowledged his respect for Makhachev and fighters from the Caucasus region. While he has an active rivalry with Makhachev's training partner Umar Nurmagomedov, that feud does not extend to the welterweight champion. Dvalishvili faces Russia's Petr Yan in a bantamweight title trilogy bout at UFC 333 on October 24.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — Merab Dvalishvili clears up issue with Islam Makhachev following UFC 330 reaction