What Merab Dvalishvili did hours before UFC 320 stunned Khalil Rountree Jr: ‘He’s a different breed’

Merab Dvalishvili sparred on fight day

Khalil Rountree Jr says Merab Dvalishvili had a fight before the fight on the day of UFC 320.

“I promise you this is a 100 percent true story,” the 205lb star told the JAXXON podcast.

“At 12 o’clock in the afternoon on fight day, Saturday, October 4th, Merab sparred five rounds in the cage. Live on the day of his fight, because that’s just who he is.

“Five full live rounds at 12 o’clock, not even half a day before he had to be in the arena to put on the biggest fight of his career. That’s just him. You cannot make it up.

“So, to be around that, it’s just another experience. Most guys will sit in the hotel room or try to collect their thoughts, or maybe even get a bike ride in on the assault bike to burn some energy.

“I’ve never in my life seen somebody spar five full rounds the day they have to fight and go another five full rounds with Cory Sandhagen. Yeah, he’s a different breed.”

Merab Dvalishvili wants December defense

Merab Dvalishvili called for a rematch with Petr Yan immediately after defending his belt at UFC 320.

The 135lb king won every round when they fought in March 2023, but Yan has bounced back with three impressive wins since then.

“I think Petr Yan looked good and he’s ready,” Dvalishvili told Joe Rogan in his post-fight interview.

“Like I keep saying, I wanna be busy. And Hunter Campbell, please, and Dana White, if you have a spot [in] December, I would love to make a quick turnaround.

“If not, then I’m gonna keep getting better, and then somebody is in big trouble,

Dvalishvili’s potential next opponent spoke out immediately after being challenged by the champ.

“Good effort from Cory, but Merab was better,” Yan tweeted.

“Can’t wait to test him next.”