There is no doubt that Merab Dvalishvili has earned a UFC title shot. The Georgian is on a massive nine-fight win streak that includes victories over former champions like Jose Aldo and Petr Yan. Merab Dvalishvili has been very dominant, making a case for himself as the best Bantamweight in the world.
However, UFC President Dana White is not at all happy with Merab Dvalishvili. The issue has been the Georgian’s longtime friendship with Aljamain Sterling. Surprisingly, Dvalishvili is campaigning for Sterling to get an instant rematch rather than chasing his own opportunity, and he’s willing to wait for as long as is necessary.
Dana White blasts Merab mentality
Dana has already advised Dvalishvili that this attitude is a bad idea, and he didn’t hold back in addressing Dvalishvili during Tuesday’s post-fight press conference.
“Everybody in this room and everybody that watches this video knows how I feel about this shit, Yeah, I hate it and if that’s why did you even get into this sport if that’s your mentality in the way that you think? ‘I don’t even want the title, I don’t want the championship. We’re friends, we’re this, we’re that.’ Dana White said in UFC contender series post-match interview.
“This is not — you could be friends with everybody in this business. There’s a lot of nice people in this business. A lot of good people. This is not about friendship. It’s about finding out who the best in the world is. And if you don’t want to find out who the best in the world is this is not the place for you. You should be somewhere else. There’s plenty of places to fight where they don’t give a shit what you do. Doesn’t work here,” he added.
Aljamain backs Dvalishvili’s claim
Aljamain Sterling and Merab Dvalishvili have some sort of bromance going on social media. Merab Dvalishvili took to Twitter to express his desire to wait for as long as it takes so that Sterling can have a rematch with the new bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley.
Everyone making this so complicated 🤣 Either way, I am with you brother ✊🏾 https://t.co/L3ILGkwZUQ
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) August 31, 2023
Aljamain Sterling replied to the tweet by Merab Dvalishvili and said “Everyone making this so complicated Either way, I am with you brother.” Fans had some interesting opinions on this social media bromance by the two fighters. “No it’s not complicated. You want a title shot? Fight each other. If not, too bad. Just keep waiting or change divisions.” said one fan.
Do you think this is ruining the entertainment of the fans? Tell us in the comments what you think of this brotherhood between Aljamain Sterling and Merab Dvalishvili.
