The brotherhood between Merab Dvalishvili and Aljamain Sterling has introduced a novel problem for UFC matchmakers. The 2 top-ranked bantamweight fighters have refused to face one another, resulting in Dvalishvili briefly placing his championship aspirations on maintain throughout Sterling’s reign within the 135-pound division.
Sterling not too long ago dropped the bantamweight championship to Sean O’Malley at UFC 292. Whereas he is vying for a right away rematch, he has additionally expressed his want for his teammate, Merab Dvalishvili, to contend for the title as an alternative ought to he not obtain that fast alternative.
Nonetheless, this robust camaraderie has garnered criticism from the media and quite a few MMA followers, who’ve taken challenge with Dvalishvili’s stance all through the state of affairs. Even UFC President Dana White has publicly criticized the Georgian fighter, elevating questions on his preliminary motivations for becoming a member of the group.
With all that in thoughts, Merab Dvalishvili not too long ago took to X (previously Twitter) and dropped at the forefront a compelling narrative about media bias in the entire state of affairs. In response to him, the distinction turns into extra evident with the notably muted response to Sean O’Malley’s disregard for Dvalishvili’s persistent call-outs previously:
“Each UFC win since my 1st in 2018 I known as out @SugaSeanMMA @ufc and Sean ignored my name outs. I say I do not wish to battle my teammate and brother @funkmasterMMA and the media goes loopy! If there isn’t a fast rematch I’m No 1 for this Title match. There ought to be NO query.”
Take a look at Dvaslishvili’s tweet under:
Merab Dvalishvili’s supervisor challenges UFC president Dana White’s criticism
Merab Dvalishvili’s supervisor has fired again at UFC president Dana White’s criticism of the fighter’s determination to step apart for a possible title shot. White had openly expressed his frustration with Dvalishvili’s reluctance to compete in opposition to his shut buddy and coaching accomplice, Aljamain Sterling.
Dvalishvili’s supervisor, Oren Hodak, responded by affirming their readiness to vie for the championship and emphasised that neither fighter would harbor resentment if the opposite acquired the chance.
Hodak’s assertion conveyed a dedication to the core spirit of figuring out the world’s finest fighter. He additionally dismissed the concept of reserving Chito Vera as Sean O’Malley’s subsequent opponent. Hodak took to X to fireside again at Dana White’s criticism, writing:
“I agree, let’s discover out who the very best on the planet is. I can let you know it aint #6 Chito Vera. Merab is 100% prepared for a title battle in December. Aljo can be prepared. Neither can be salty if the opposite will get it. Let’s have a look at if this performs out true to sport and discovering out who’s the very best.”
Take a look at Hodak’s tweet under: