UFC Veteran Backs Himself to Handle Merab Dvalishvili Challenge at RAF 09

Merab Dvalishvili (Image Credits: Imagn)

UFC Veteran Backs Himself to Handle Merab Dvalishvili Challenge at RAF 09

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Pavan Sharma | Last updated May 29, 2026 2:49 PM ET

RAF is again bringing thrilling wrestling matchups for fans. In one of those matches, fans will also see Merab Dvalishvili vs. UFC veteran Frankie Edgar. Talking about this match, the former lightweight champion backed himself to handle Dvalishvili easily.

Edgar admitted he nearly stopped competing altogether after his frustrating experience in BKFC left him disappointed. However, the UFC veteran believed his wrestling experience could help him deal with the former bantamweight champion at RAF 09, despite Dvalishvili’s relentless pace and pressure. During his recent interview with MMA Fighting, the 44-year-old said:

“Fighting is definitely a young man’s sport. Would I be able to beat Merab in a fight right now the way my body is and a 15 or 25 minute fight? I don’t know. In a six-minute wrestling match, I like my chances. So that’s how I’m playing it.”

Frankie Edgar is confident he’ll be able to answer the challenge of Merab Dvalishvili at RAF 09

https://t.co/QyNNsv43X2 pic.twitter.com/9RpEec2kXv
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) May 29, 2026

Edgar felt that a short wrestling match was a much safer and more realistic challenge for him at this stage of life. However, the Georgian fighter lost his bantamweight belt in December 2025 and was now seeking a rematch with Petr Yan to reclaim it. However, Yan was injured, and fans were waiting for him to recover soon.

Sean O’Malley Suggests Petr Yan Avoid Merab Dvalishvili Matchup After Injury

A trilogy fight between Merab Dvalishvili and Petr Yan was gaining huge hype after the rivalry was tied at 1-1. But Sean O’Malley believed Yan should avoid rushing into a rematch following his serious back surgery earlier that year. In a video, “Suga” warned Yan and said:

“I hate the idea of Petr coming off back surgery and fighting Merab. You’re gonna fight Merab within a year after back surgery? It sounds like a terrible mistake. I’m not gonna go out there and try to shoot and wrestle him.”

The Russian star reportedly underwent a nine-hour surgery in January 2026 and was targeting a return that summer. However, all the major summer cards were booked, and fans might see this fight during October, as the fight cards for that time had not been announced yet.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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