...
By Fernando Quiles Jr
Contributing Sports Writer
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Merab Dvalishvili (21-4) believes he's come a long way in his business relationship with UFC CEO Dana White. Dvalishvili is the reigning UFC Bantamweight Champion, and he's received some high praise from White ahead of his UFC 323 main event rematch against Petr Yan (19-5). That wasn't always the case, however.
White was once critical of Dvalishvili for refusing to fight his close friend and training partner, Aljamain Sterling. "The Machine" also got on White's bad side after revealing a broken toe less than two weeks before his rematch with Sean O'Malley. Speaking to Newsweek Sports, Dvalishvili discussed the shift in his relationship with White.
"Yes, Dana White is our boss, and he made UFC what it is today," Dvalishvili said. "I have so much respect for him, and I understand why he was mad because I was talking, and my speech is something not good for business. After that I was posting some simple stuff for me. I got cut in my eye, but I guess that was not a smart thing.
Read More on MMA
"He was mad about me. He's the boss, and he has better experience than I have. He was talking from his perspective, but in person we always had a lot of respect for each other. Now, the relationship is great. I'm a UFC bantamweight champion, and he's my boss, and the relationship is good."
...
More News: UFC 323’s Joshua Van Made Promise After Lone KO Loss
Interesting Weight-Cutting Technique
Footage of Dvalishvili surfaced on social media that showed the UFC Bantamweight Champion breathing in the scent of a pizza slice before eating a vegetable. The humorous clip made waves within the mixed martial arts community, and Dvalishvili admitted it's the most difficult part of fight preparation.
"Yeah, I have other techniques," Dvalishvili said while laughing. "It's always hard to be on strict diet and cutting 20 pounds off. This is part of MMA. This is hardest thing what we deal with, but I'm going to deal a couple more days, and after Friday I will be happy and full again."
Dvalishvili isn't too concerned about what exactly his first full meal will be, as long as he gets some fruit in his system for optimal recovery.
"I don't care," Dvalishvili said. "Anything else will taste very good. I think I will start with fruit like watermelon, maybe blueberry, because it will be easy to digest. After being super hard on a strict diet, I don't want to go crazy."
Fighting for UFC History
When Dvalishvili steps inside the Octagon on Saturday, he'll do so with significant momentum that many feel is due to his activity. "The Machine" has a rather simple reason for wanting to fight on a consistent basis.
"I just like to be active, and I love fighting," Dvalishvili said. "I can fight every other day. The only hard thing with MMA is the weight cutting. Sometimes because of weight cutting, your body just needs to relax. Fighting is no problem for me, and that was my goal when I became champion. I wanted to be busy."
Dvalishvili will have a chance to set a new record for the most successful UFC title defenses in a single year. It's a feat that has suddenly become more significant to the 135-pound titleholder than he realized.
"The record wasn't very important when I chose to be busy," Dvalishvili said. "I just want to be busy, and I don't want to be distracted with other stuff. So, now I want it so much because if I win this fight I will make record, and then if I lose it won't be a record, but I don't want to lose this fight because of the record and all the good things that come with this win. I guess I can say it's very important now."
What's Different With Petr Yan Rematch?
Saturday night won't mark the first time Dvalishvili and Yan go one-on-one. Dvalishvili defeated Yan via unanimous decision back in 2023. Dvalishvili explained how things are different going into UFC 323 in Las Vegas.
"It's a new fight," Dvalishvili said. "Rematches are not easy. Against Sean O'Malley, first fight, I was very game. Second fight, I was just fighting my fight, and I was able to do an even better job. Difference against Petr Yan, first fight I was super motivated, and I was super mad about him and I wanted to win this fight so bad. This fight, he will be super motivated because he wants to avenge his loss. Me, a little bit relaxed because I know I beat this guy and I'm not worried about the fight. I'm going to be more technical this time, and I will show more of my skill, and hopefully my technique will be better."
Assessing Sean O'Malley vs. Song Yadong
A foe who Dvalishvili is quite familiar with, Sean O'Malley, will be back in action at UFC 324 on Jan. 24. O'Malley will be taking on Song Yadong. Dvalishvili is intrigued by the matchup, and he'll embrace whatever outcome is in store for the fight.
"It's a tough fight," Dvalishvili said. "They're both good strikers. Sean O'Malley's very technical. He hits hard. Song Yadong also hits like a truck. He has very great Chinese power. This is going to be a great match. If Sean wins, good for him, and I will support him, but if somehow Song Yadong wins, it's going to be a new contender, and it's even better for our division."
Plans for 2026
Despite his workload this year, don't expect Dvalishvili to be lax in 2026. "The Machine" wants to have an encore next year.
"God willing, when I win this fight, I want to be busy like I was this year, and I want to have four fights next year as well," Dvalishvili said. "I love fighting, and I like to be busy. Hopefully I can keep my belt, and nobody can take it from me. I want to fight four times."
More News:
- Exclusive: UFC Qatar Winner Ian Machado Garry Vows to Dominate Islam Makhachev
- UFC Releases Fighter After Result Leads to Potential Betting Scandal
- Mark Zuckerberg Takes Down UFC Star Alex Pereira in Viral Video
For more on UFC content, head to Newsweek Sports.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines