![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Copy-of-ES-WEB-FIs-1200-x-800-px-3-59.webp?width=600)
via Imago
via IMAGO
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Copy-of-ES-WEB-FIs-1200-x-800-px-3-59.webp?width=600)
via Imago
via IMAGO
Merab Dvalishivli is a simple man. He works hard, fights formidably, and takes no guff from anyone. Even if he sometimes should. After all, the reigning UFC bantamweight champ has a knack for getting into confrontations with fans several times now. Since he is a famous fighter, he could face serious consequences even if one such confrontation goes south.
But the Georgian, who cannot stand being disrespected simply doesn’t care. The latest example of this came just last week after the 135lbs king nearly hit a fan for insulting him and his family. While Merab was held off by security and didn’t get the chance to put his hands on that fan himself, he had every intention to, as ‘The Machine’ himself admitted after the event. But the Georgian’s remarkable thin-skinnedness has concerned even Merab’s most famous foe- Sean O’Malley.
“Merab got in a scuffle with what seemed like one of Umar’s little plants and posted a video explaining that the guy kinda grabbed his arm and he kinda freaked out. He just can’t quite stay out of trouble. Merab just doesn’t have any control of his little self,” O’Malley told the crew on his podcast.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
View this post on Instagram
In fact, O’Malley thinks that the latest fan vs Merab scuffle may actually have been a set-up by ‘The Machine’s upcoming UFC 311 opponent, Umar Nurmagomedov. While that is not out of the question since Umar seemingly enjoys winding up the champ, there is no evidence of this. Except for the fact that the offending fan spoke Russian. However, that doesn’t automatically mean he was one of Umar’s acolytes.
But ‘Suga’ was more concerned by Dvalishvili’s lack of self-control. After all, sports and especially UFC fans aren’t known to be the most respectful bunch, and being insulted by fans is part and parcel of being a UFC star. Trying to beat up fans for that could put Merab potentially behind bars, not to mention the lawsuits and disciplinary action from the State Athletic Commission or the promotion. But Merab doesn’t care.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Merab Dvalishvili is willing to lose it all to fight any disrespectful fans
The reason we know about Merab’s latest heated run-in with a fan in such detail is because the Georgian told us himself. According to Merab, the fan not only insulted him and his family in Russian but also grabbed him. And the proud man that he is, he just couldn’t let that pass. In fact, he is willing to pay even the most serious consequences for the chance to avenge his honor.
“I’m a man first. If you come to my face and disrespect me, you’re going to get slapped. Don’t try that. I’m a man, and I will never forgive you. Even if I have to go to jail, I don’t care. I don’t care [that] I have so much to lose, I don’t care [about] this belt, I don’t care [about] this money, I don’t care [about] this legacy. I’m a man. I live a respectful way,” Dwalishvili threatened. Of course, this might have the opposite result than the one Merab wants.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
People getting into altercations with famous people on purpose is not very uncommon. After all, such people want the celebrity to hit or assault them so that they can sue them. Even if the celebrity is confident they would get off in the end, many choose to settle with such people out of court to end the case and not have to pay hefty legal fees.
Not to mention, they may be held liable in some shape or form anyway even if they go to trial since the standard for finding someone guilty is much lower in civil cases than criminal ones. This is why Merab would be wise to heed Sean O’Malley’s warning. ‘Suga’ may have many faults but he is pretty smart. What do you think about O’Malley’s concern for Merab Dvalishvili?
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Banner-12.png)
Challenge Your Sports Knowledge!
Solve the puzzle and prove your knowledge of iconic players, terms, and moments.