Merab Dvalishvili Better Than Khabib Nurmagomedov? UFC Community Gets Into Fiery Debate After Sean O’Malley Loses Again

And while the Tbilisi star is paving his own way as arguably the best bantamweight of all-time, a keen fan pointed out an important fact — Khabib’s resume at the lightweight limit.

“Khabib has more title defenses and less losses [than Dvalishvili],” they posted.

Dvalishvili will potentially have to face off with Khabib’s protégé, Umar Nurmagomedov, in another rematch. While that remains uncertain, he has another foe in mind to lock horns with.

Merab Dvalishvili eyes Cory Sandhagen showdown

Sat Octagon-side during last night’s UFC 316, perennial contender Cory Sandhagen has been continually linked with a showdown against dominant gold holder Dvalishvili.

And pencilled in as his next foe by UFC color commentator, Joe Rogan, Dvalishvili welcomed the chance to take on former interim title chaser, Sandhagen, next. Even going as far as to say he “loves” the potential stylistic showdown.

“I would love it [a fight with Cory Sandhagen],” Merab Dvalishvili told Joe Rogan during his post-fight interview. “I like the opponent. Cory, I love you, bro. I like your jokes lately. Keep making jokes — keep having fun, bro.”

But failing to rule out a rematch with Nurmagomedov — or even Petr Yan — whom he holds a dominant prior win against, Dvalishvili is open to all comers to his throne.

“No problem… whoever the UFC thinks is the most deserving, I’m fighting next… As long as some bullsh*t fighter doesn’t [disrespect] me, I’m happy,” Dvalishvili told assembled media following UFC 316 success.

Launching his second successful title defense overnight, Dvalishvili needs just one more win as champion to equal the title dominance of Nurmagomedov during his lightweight pomp.