The manager of Merab Dvalishvili has disclosed the expected timeframe for the UFC bantamweight fighter’s return to the octagon. Following a surgical procedure on his right hand, the Georgian athlete has commenced training once again, despite wearing a cast.
Dvalishvili, who currently boasts a nine-fight winning streak in the UFC, has emerged victorious against notable figures in the division such as Petr Yan and Jose Aldo.
Merab Dvalishvili will likely be out three to four months following surgery on his right hand, Merab's manager told @marcraimondi. pic.twitter.com/z470qu4M8M
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) May 31, 2023
Injury Update of Merab Dvalishvili after the surgery
According to his manager, ‘The Machine’ will be out of action for a period of three to four months after undergoing surgery. In a recent Instagram post, he stated:“I’ll be back Soon”
The video showcases Merab skillfully executing takedowns on his training partners, all while wearing a gray cast on his hand. As one of the prominent bantamweight fighters in the division, ‘The Machine’ undeniably deserves a shot at the title.
However, due to his training affiliation with Aljamain Sterling, Dvalishvili has emphatically stated that he will not pursue a championship opportunity as long as Sterling remains the titleholder.
ESPN ranks Merab as the second-best bantamweight in the world. He has expressed his unwillingness to fight Sterling, meaning a potential title opportunity will only arise once Aljamain is no longer the champion. Sterling will defend his 135-pound belt against Sean O’Malley at UFC 292 in Boston on August 19.
Merab Dvalishvili’s rise in UFC
Dvalishvili, with a record of 16-4, has achieved nine consecutive victories. His streak of eight consecutive wins in the bantamweight division is the second-longest in UFC bantamweight history.
The 32-year-old fighter from the Republic of Georgia recently triumphed over former UFC champions Petr Yan and Jose Aldo in consecutive bouts.
Following his defeat to Aljamain Sterling, Henry Cejudo expressed interest in facing Merab Dvalishvili as his next opponent. However, Dvalishvili’s ongoing recovery from surgery means that it will take some time before we witness his return to the octagon. In the meantime, Cejudo may consider seeking another opponent for his next fight.
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