Defying Dana White’s Plans for 135 Lbs Title, Sean O’Malley Rival Merab Dvalishvili Goes Ballistic Over Chito Vera Rumors

Merab Dvalishvili wants to be the next bantamweight contender and he’s only reasonable. Recently, the fighter sat down with The MMA Hour’s Ariel Helwani to talk about all things UFC. The fighter has had high hopes to go up against the bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley but will that fight ever happen? Things sure look awry for him.

Dvalishvili currently enjoys a number 3 ranking in the bantamweight division. The only ones ahead of him are former champion Aljamain Sterling and the champ himself, Sean O’Malley. The fighter obviously thinks that he should be next in line to challenge ‘Suga’ and for good reason. However, a fighter from a much lower rank is in his way and it’s not making him happy. Who is this fighter that ‘Suga’ wants to defeat so desperately?

O’Malley’s title fight pick makes Dvalishvili unhappy

‘Suga’ has only one blemish in his otherwise spotless record. The 17-1 champion knows what it feels like to have just one opponent he could not overcome. This happened back in August 2020 at UFC 252. The knockout loss came to him at the hands of none other than Marlon Vera. The thought of a rematch between the two makes Dvalishvili quite anxious.

“He’s ranked six and I beat Jose Aldo and Jose Aldo beat Chito Vera you know? Chito Vera don’t deserve this,” said Dvalishvili. “You’re a champion you know? You are top of the world, you are champion and you call number six guy especially when you have like a guy like me I have 9 fight win streak and I beat two former Champions.”

There is some weight to how ‘The Machine’ feels. However, ‘Chito’ Vera stands at number 6 in the bantamweight division but he’s O’Malley’s only loss. ‘Suga’ made it clear even before he became champion that he would love to have a rematch, which in theory could redeem his record. Now, talks about a rematch with the title on the line are afloat.

“If O’Malley wants real real opponent, real contender and he if he wants respect he has to fight me. I’m not saying I will beat him easy. O’Malley is a challenge for me but I been calling him since 2018.” It’s true, Dvalishvili always wanted to take on O’Malley. Now that he’s number three and has beaten strong fighters like Petr Yan, he feels a bit disrespected. Especially if the UFC does decide to go along with Sean O’Malley’s vengeance fight. However, will the fight really happen or is it just a rumor?

Merab Dvalishvili really wants to fight Sean O’Malley

The UFC happens to have its way with the fighters whether they like it or not. Dvalishvili is unfortunately a part of the same design. If Dana White and Co., decide to go with another fighter, he’ll just have to accept his fate. The fighter told Helwani how he’ll be “heartbroken” if he doesn’t get the title shot after working for it for so long.

“He’s a superstar, now he’s Champion I want to fight him you know I always want to fight him,” said Dvalishvili. “I don’t see why they should not give me this fight” 

Also Read: Aljamain Sterling Makes Bold Comparison Between Petr Yan and Jose Aldo Following Teammate Merab Dvalishvili’s Win at UFC Vegas 71

Clearly, there is more at stake here than just the title of ‘The Machine’. He wants his hard work in the division to be rewarded. Fighting ‘Chito’ Vera might be on O’Malley’s mind just so he can set the record straight but will the fight be worth it? Dvalishvili on the other hand hoped that a title fight would come his way to make for a challenging battle between the two giants.

The UFC is yet to give its clarification, but what direction will they go in? Nobody knows for sure just yet.

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