UFC bantamweight contender Merab Dvalishvili has found himself in hot water just weeks before his highly anticipated title fight. The Georgian fighter recently shared a video of a small cut above his left eye on social media. This seemingly innocent post quickly snowballed into a controversy as Dana White and Sean O’Malley didn’t take kindly to this transparency.
But Dvalishvili isn’t backing down. In a recent Instagram Live video, he addressed the situation head-on. The Georgian fighter seems bemused by all the fuss. He said that he would be ready on September 14.
“Sept 14, Sean O’Malley, I’m coming for you. I got a little cut today; this is nothing, but I’m telling you, people, this is nothing. This is true. I’m here with my team, training every day, and Sept 14, man, let’s go,” said Dvalishvili.
Dana White, known for his colorful language, called the move “next-level stupid” during a press conference. He questioned why Dvalishvili would want his opponent to know about any potential weakness. O’Malley also took to social media with a fiery response asking Umar Nurmagomedov to be ready in case Merab Dvalishvili pulled out.
This drama unfolds against the backdrop of UFC 306, which is set to be one of the most expensive events in UFC history. With over $17 million invested, it’s no wonder White is on edge about potential fight cancellations. Plus, the event, scheduled for Mexican Independence Day, carries extra significance.
Aljamain Sterling Reacts To Dana White Calling Merab Dvalishvili “Stupid”
The latest drama in the world of UFC involves a small cut above a fighter’s eye. Dvalishvili, the Georgian bantamweight contender, recently shared a photo of his injury on social media. Little did he know this innocent post would spark a firestorm of criticism from White, who called him “stupid” for revealing the cut to his upcoming opponent.
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Aljamain Sterling, former bantamweight champion and Dvalishvili’s teammate, did not let this comment slide. Sterling wasn’t about to let his friend take the heat alone. He fired back at White, defending Dvalishvili’s openness with fans.
“Merab shares his stories of training camp… ppl LOVE him for it… nothing “stupid” about it, period. He’s training, and will show up Sept 14, like he always does. Is this about betting lines?…Respectfully, this reaction was a bit over the top IMHO,” wrote Sterling via X.
This incident highlights the delicate balance fighters must maintain. They’re expected to engage with fans but also keep their cards close to their chest. It’s a tightrope walk between transparency and strategy.
Also Read: VIDEO: Merab Dvalishvili Climbs The Fence And Charges At Heckler
