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After stepping in because the backup at UFC 299, Merab Dvalishvili discovered himself rooting for Sean O’Malley to emerge victorious over Marlon “Chito” Vera, eagerly anticipating a possible showdown between them for the title.
His hopes materialized when O’Malley convincingly defeated Vera over five rounds, solidifying a clear-cut resolution victory. Nevertheless, as a substitute of specializing in the highest contender in his personal division, the reigning UFC bantamweight champion, O’Malley, as soon as once more directed his consideration in direction of featherweight champion Ilia Topuria. Dvalishvili, usually composed, couldn’t cover his disappointment, particularly because the UFC captured his response from the entrance row throughout the primary occasion.
After the occasion concluded, Dvalishvili approached O’Malley backstage with the intention of providing congratulations, however his demeanor shortly shifted.
Dvalishvili recounted the encounter in an interview with MMA Combating.
“Let me inform the entire thing. We’re watching the fights, after all I would like O’Malley to win as a result of I need to combat the celebrity, the champion, the O’Malley. I need to problem myself. I’m there, O’Malley wins after which he made a name out however he don’t name me out. I used to be so mad. Like come on O’Malley, particularly he’s speaking about he’s going to knock me out. Please, then combat me and knock me out, present the world. Let’s combat! When you say world, you’re going to knock me out and also you make enjoyable of [my] nostril. Who cares about my nostril? It’s a combat. It’s a ability, it’s a combat, it’s a problem.
“Anyhow, I used to be mad and I moved to backstage and he’s coming. I need to shake his hand and say congratulations to him and once I contact his hand, I stated congratulations, bro, and he sort of ignored me. He don’t even take a look at me. So once more, I’m mad once more. Like take a look at me and shake my hand. You don’t even shake my hand? I did point out, hey bro, you must point out my identify. Then, he’s like I don’t even know who you’re after which I’m mad once more. Come on, you don’t even know who I’m? What the heck.”
Sean O’Malley later admitted that he acknowledged Dvalishvili when approached, however opted to playfully declare ignorance of the individual addressing him.
Regardless of the momentary frustration, Dvalishvili didn’t dwell on the interplay, accustomed to O’Malley calling out numerous opponents whereas avoiding mentioning his identify.
Dvalishvili opened as a major favourite for the combat, which he believes explains O’Malley’s reluctance to face him.
“I used to be there and I used to be rooting for O’Malley as a result of I need to combat him after which he known as out Ilia [Topuria] and I do know this combat shouldn’t be going to occur. “He’s nonetheless not mentioning my identify. I don’t need to say ducking me or one thing however come on, bro, let’s construct this combat. Let’s make it even larger. I don’t perceive why. You might be champion. Earlier than I perceive, he wasn’t combating prime 15 guys, he was combating outdoors the ranks and the one prime man he fought was Petr Yan and everyone knows that was an in depth combat after which they provide to him [Aljamain Sterling] on brief discover for Aljo and he bought fortunate. Now give the division respect.
“You’ve bought to combat the perfect of the perfect. You’ve bought to combat the No. 1 contenders, particularly [since] I’m right here ready. I used to be so pissed however now I don’t care. I’m good. I used to be simply mad however so long as he’s going to combat me, I’ll be tremendous.”
No matter O’Malley’s ways, Dvalishvili stays unfazed, assured that the UFC will ship on their promised title shot after his dominant victory over former two-division champion Henry Cejudo in his final combat.
“I don’t care if he mentions my identify or not however the UFC is aware of I’m subsequent. UFC shouldn’t be going to let him go someplace [else], he simply defends his belt. It’s not a silly online game. It’s the UFC and we’ve bought to respect the corporate and respect the folks and we’ve bought to present folks need they need.”
Since defeating Henry Cejudo in February, Dvalishvili has felt a surge of help, eagerly awaiting the decision with the official date and site for his showdown in opposition to O’Malley.
Recognizing the significance of fan help in securing title alternatives, Dvalishvili acknowledges the backing he’s acquired on social media and the enthusiastic reception from crowds throughout current appearances in Miami and Mexico Metropolis, satisfied that followers are eagerly anticipating a conflict between him and O’Malley.
“I need to inform all my followers, all MMA followers and everybody, thanks for all of the help. They actually see onerous work they usually actually onerous behind the onerous working man. Possibly I’m not a celebrity like O’Malley however I’m working onerous.
“I’ve 12 fights within the UFC and I needs to be 12-0. I bought robbed within the first two fights and for those who guys go and watch my first fights within the UFC, I win these fights however I moved on. I’m simply targeted on successful and combating and I put all my onerous work and dedication to this sport as a result of I like it.”
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