The brotherhood between Merab Dvalishvili and Aljamain Sterling has offered a singular 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 lately 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 a substitute ought to he not obtain that quick alternative.
Nevertheless, this sturdy camaraderie has garnered criticism from the media and quite a few MMA followers, who’ve taken difficulty 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 lately took to X (previously Twitter) and delivered to the forefront a compelling narrative about media bias in the entire state of affairs. In accordance with him, the distinction turns into extra evident with the notably muted response to Sean O’Malley’s disregard for Dvalishvili’s persistent call-outs up to now:
“Each UFC win since my 1st in 2018 I referred to as out @SugaSeanMMA @ufc and Sean ignored my name outs. I say I do not need to combat my teammate and brother @funkmasterMMA and the media goes loopy! If there isn’t a quick rematch I’m Number one for this Title match. There must be NO query.”
Try Dvaslishvili’s tweet beneath:
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 brazenly expressed his frustration with Dvalishvili’s reluctance to compete towards his shut pal and coaching companion, 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 bought the chance.
Hodak’s assertion conveyed a dedication to the core spirit of figuring out the world’s finest fighter. He additionally dismissed the thought of reserving Chito Vera as Sean O’Malley’s subsequent opponent. Hodak took to X to fireplace again at Dana White’s criticism, writing:
“I agree, let’s discover out who one of the best on the planet is. I can let you know it aint #6 Chito Vera. Merab is 100% prepared for a title combat in December. Aljo can be prepared. Neither will likely 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 one of the best.”
Try Hodak’s tweet beneath:
Fast Hyperlinks
Extra from Sportskeeda