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Merab Dvalishvili has a good idea of when his first title defense will be.
Sean O'Malley Declines Dvalishvili's Rematch Offer, Suggests Other Opponent
The country of Georgia crowned its second UFC champion just this last month at UFC 306 with Dvalishvili outworking American sensation Sean O'Malley to a unanimous decision victory. Moving on from the Sphere in Las Vegas, Dvalishvili touched down in his hometown of Tbilisi, Georgia for a homecoming like no other.
'The Machine' is a superstar! @MerabDvalishvil receiving a hero's welcome in Georgia pic.twitter.com/gRHj6HR6sW
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) September 30, 2024
Weeks removed from the title win, Dvalishvili's victory tour of sorts hasn't stopped the new champion from planning his next move. Dvalishvili recently called out Sean O'Malley to an immediate rematch for UFC 309 in November, citing that's what his former foe told him to push for (despite being injured).
You ask for this… pic.twitter.com/9dn0m3i0Jd
— Merab “The Machine” Dvalishvili (@MerabDvalishvil) September 27, 2024
Dvalishvili On First Title Defense: "Umar Will Probably Be The Next One"
But, with that not happening, all signs point to a title fight between Dvalishvili and #2 contender Umar Nurmagomedov. The undefeated Nurmagomedov improved to 18-0 with a win over Cory Sandhagen, making his case for title contention.
“The UFC hasn’t officially contacted me regarding my first title defense yet," Dvalishvili told Georgian media at a recent press conference (via She Loves The Gloves). "A lot of people are starting to talk, everyone will be trying to get my attention. Umar will probably be the next one facing me for the title, as he seems to have a lot of support right now. "
Timeframe
Dvalishvili isn't the biggest fan of Nurmagomedov getting the next title shot but the Georgian maintains he'll fight him if that's what the UFC so desires. As for a date for the potential fight, Dvalishvili isn't looking for too quick of a turnaround like his initial UFC 309 offer.
"[Dagestani fighters] usually don’t fight during Ramadan, so it will most likely be before that. Maybe in the Spring. February or March," Dvalishvili said of when he'll fight Nurmagomedov.
Dvalishvili Taking Nurmagomedov 'Seriously'
Training out of Syndicate MMA in Las Vegas, Dvalishvili said preparation has already begun for his next fight, continously training with fellow UFC fighter and teammate, Dennis Buzukja with the two getting work in wherever they can during visit to Georgia.
"Sometimes it’s at the hotel, sometimes it’s somewhere outdoors, in the field. In other words, I’m not stopping," Dvalishvili said of training with Buzukja. "If you see me outside, fighting in the streets, please, don’t get involved or break us apart, we’re just training...
"As a fighter, he’s a strong opponent," Dvalishvili said of Umar Nurmagomedov, who aims to become a world champion like his brother Usman and cousin Khabib. "I will approach a fight with him, as with any future contender— seriously."
Umar Nurmagomedov Blasts Merab Dvalishvili for Saying Ex-champ Deserves Title Shot
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TODAY'S BEST
Chicago Blackhawks at Risk of Losing First Round Pick as Other Teams Pitch Big-Money Offers
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Steelers reporter shares big claim about how Aaron Rodgers has looked in training camp
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers spent the bulk of the spring as an unsigned free agent and, thus, only began officially practicing with Pittsburgh Steelers teammates during the team's three-day mandatory minicamp in June. During a Monday appearance on Pittsburgh radio station 102.5 WDVE, Steelers reporter Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette addressed how Rodgers looked during his first few training camp practices with the club. "His release is just astonishing to watch," Dulac said about Rodgers, as shared by Ross McCorkle of Steelers Depot. "Everybody knows about it, and when you see it in person, you see it every day in practice, you just marvel at it. To me, he's the greatest thrower of the football I have ever seen, even at 41 (years old). That flick of that wrist and that ball comes out, it's moving and it is something to see." Rodgers was with the New York Jets when he suffered a torn Achilles four offensive snaps into the 2023 regular-season opener. He was then slowed by a nagging hip issue, injuries to both his knees, a low ankle sprain and a serious hamstring problem as the 2024 Jets went 5-12. According to Pro Football Reference, Rodgers finished last season ranked 28th in the NFL among qualified players with a 48.0 adjusted QBR and 26th with a 43.9 percent passing success rate. That said, he was also eighth with 3,897 passing yards and tied for seventh with 28 passing touchdowns. Rodgers and Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson endured some struggles during training camp sessions last summer before the two allegedly "never saw eye-to-eye" during the season. It sounds like Pittsburgh fans should be encouraged by how Rodgers performed in recent practices. "That guy can get rid of the ball as quick as anybody," Dulac added. "He made three throws in seven-on-seven (drills) the other day that the cumulative total I bet couldn't have exceeded 2.1 seconds. And two of those were for touchdowns." Rodgers wants to finish his career "the right way" and help the Steelers notch at least their first playoff win since January 2017. As of Monday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had Pittsburgh at -150 betting odds to miss the playoffs for the upcoming season.
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Mets Announce Juan Soto News After Leaving Padres Game
After getting their seven-game win streak snapped against the San Diego Padres on Monday, the New York Mets are looking to get back on track with a victory on Tuesday. Despite their latest loss, things are looking good for New York. With a 62-45 record, they hold a one-game lead over the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East. A big reason for the Mets' success is Juan Soto, who is in the midst of his first season with the team. However, the 26-year-old left the game early after fouling a ball off his foot in the fourth inning. Following Soto's exit, the team made an announcement and gave an update regarding his injury. As the Mets look to continue their strong campaign, they will need Soto as healthy as possible. Fortunately for them, while he was forced to leave Tuesday's game injury, it seems that not all is bad as he has been diagnosed with a foot contusion, rather than a break or something more major (h/t Anthony DiComo of MLB.com) "Juan Soto exited tonight's game due to a foot 'contusion,' or bruise, according to the Mets, DiComo wrote on X. "That would imply nothing is broken at first glance, but the Mets will likely test him thoroughly. Until there is more clarity, Soto's status will be worth monitoring for the foreseeable future as he is a crucial part of the team's success. The Mets will take on the Padres for the series finale on Wednesday before heading back home to take on the San Francisco Giants in a three-game weekend series. Hopefully for New York, there will be another update about Soto's injury sooner rather than later.
Jalon Walker’s Mysterious Injury Sparks Unease Among Atlanta Falcons Fans
Training camp is supposed to be a time of optimism for NFL teams, a moment to gauge the potential stars of tomorrow and fine-tune rosters for the regular season. For the Atlanta Falcons, however, the 2025 training camp has come with an air of apprehension. Rookie edge rusher Jalon Walker—widely regarded as one of their most promising young talents—has been mysteriously absent from team drills, leaving fans concerned about the severity of his injury and its potential impact on the season. On one hand, head coach Raheem Morris has reassured reporters that the issue is “not serious.” On the other hand, the team’s lack of transparency and Walker’s conspicuous absence have stoked fears that there may be more to worry about than the coaching staff is letting on. Here’s a closer look at why this situation has Falcons fans nervous, and why Walker’s absence is so significant given Atlanta’s high stakes this season. Jalon Walker’s Potential: A Key For The Atlanta Falcons The Atlanta Falcons drafted Jalon Walker in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, betting big on his ability to energize their pass rush. Coming out of the University of Georgia, Walker was praised for his athleticism, explosiveness, and versatility. While he split time between positions in college, Atlanta planned to focus his talents at edge rusher—a role they desperately needed to solidify after struggling to pressure opposing quarterbacks in recent seasons. Walker was touted as a player who could contribute immediately. His blend of size, speed, and raw power made him a natural fit for the Falcons’ defensive scheme. Pairing him with fellow first-round selection James Pearce Jr. and veterans along the defensive line seemed like a recipe for rebuilding a unit that had long been Atlanta’s Achilles’ heel. Simply put, the Falcons need Walker to bridge the gap between potential and production. For a franchise that has invested heavily in improving its front seven, the stakes are high. And that’s precisely why his current absence is causing so much unease. The Injury Mystery Jalon Walker’s training camp has been, at best, stop-and-start. He was seen participating in earlier sessions but has now missed two consecutive practices, relegated to a side field for conditioning work alongside injured linebacker Troy Andersen. The team has offered little in the way of an explanation. Reports have confirmed that Walker isn’t dealing with a major setback, but the lack of specifics has left fans speculating about the long-term implications. Raheem Morris attempted to reassure the fanbase, stating, “It’s not a serious issue.” However, those familiar with NFL injury narratives know better than to take those words at face value. Teams often downplay early injuries only for them to linger into the regular season—or worse, snowball into something that sidelines a player indefinitely. Adding to the anxiety are comments from outside linebackers coach Jacquies Smith, who acknowledged the importance of Walker getting back on the field sooner rather than later. “Obviously, we would love for him to get the reps. I’m not a doctor, but he needs the reps,” Smith admitted. It’s a candid reminder that no amount of athletic ability can compensate for a lack of practice when it comes to transitioning from college ball to life in the NFL. Why Walker’s Absence is Significant The timing and nature of Walker’s absence are particularly concerning when considering Atlanta’s broader goals for the season. The Falcons didn’t just use their first-round pick on Walker—they restructured their defensive ambitions around improving the edge rush. After years of ranking near the bottom of the league in sacks and quarterback pressures, the 2025 offseason was all about reversing that trend. Walker is a linchpin in that strategy. A Critical Role in the Pass Rush Without consistent pressure from their edge defenders, the Falcons have often left their secondary exposed, resulting in a cascade of defensive breakdowns. Walker’s role isn’t just one of potential—he’s expected to actively anchor the pass rush alongside Pearce. The duo was billed as the future of Atlanta’s defensive front, tasked with turning around a unit that has long struggled to impose its will on opposing offenses. Missed practices mean missed opportunities to fine-tune his technique and build chemistry with teammates, two things critical for a rookie. The coaches can offer classroom sessions and film study, but on-field reps provide invaluable lessons in timing, angles, and adaptability that can’t be replicated off the gridiron. The Cost of Draft Capital Atlanta’s commitment to boosting its defensive line wasn’t cheap. By trading up in the draft and focusing on edge rushers in early rounds, the Falcons showed they were all-in on reshaping their front seven. Walker embodies this investment. If he isn’t available or fails to develop as planned, the ripple effects could undermine the entire defensive overhaul. A Lesson in Hope and Worry It’s important to note that panic might be premature. Training camp is a long process, and early injuries are sometimes no more than a bump in the road. Walker has shown himself to be a resilient competitor, and the coaching staff has maintained that this is a minor ailment. But the Falcons’ handling of this situation will be critical in easing tensions among the fanbase. Transparency can go a long way in restoring trust. For Jalon Walker, the immediate focus should be on returning to practice without rushing his recovery. The Atlanta Falcons need him to be ready for Week 1 against the division-rival Carolina Panthers, a game that will set the tone for the season. The Road Ahead While it’s too early to press the panic button, the situation serves as a reminder of the fine line NFL team-building walks. The Atlanta Falcons have a golden opportunity to turn the tide defensively this year. Their investments in young, athletic talent like Jalon Walker signal a bright future, but for that future to materialize, player development must align with health and availability. Fans, meanwhile, will continue to hold their breath until Walker is spotted in full pads, explosive as always. And when that moment comes, the nervous energy surrounding his mysterious injury might well transform into optimism.
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