With Aljamain Sterling not planning to return to the octagon this year, his friend and sparring partner, Merab Dvalishvili, the UFC’s number two ranked lightweight, wants to be the first to challenge the division’s new champion, Sean O’Malley.
“Here’s the thing – they know I’m a tough fight for Sean, so they try not to mention my name,” the Georgian fighter told MMA Fighting. “Nobody mentioned my name, but I’m here. I’m the number one contender after Aljo. They mentioned everybody – Petr Yan, Chito Vera, everybody around but me. It’s crazy.”
Having dismantled Aljamain Sterling last weekend, Sean O’Malley has indicated he wants to fight Marlon Vera, who handed him the only defeat of his career three years ago, in December, but Dvalishvili believes the Ecuadorian fighter, ranked sixth in the division, doesn’t deserve a title fight.
“We all agree that Chito Vera doesn’t deserve a title fight. After Aljo, I’m the number one contender and O’Malley should have called me out. We should be fighting. I’m on a nine-fight win streak. O’Malley, you’re the champion, you’re the king now, and you should want to fight the best of the best. I’m the best since Aljo, you should fight me.”
“I stole his jacket – let’s see if I can steal his championship belt. I’ll be ready to fight in December even with one arm because I’m a warrior. I fought injured against Petr Yan and won. If Aljo doesn’t come back soon and get a rematch, I’m the one who should fight Shawn. He should know my name. My name is Merab Dvalishvili. M-E-R-A-B.”
The featherweight title fight between Aljamain Sterling and Sean O’Malley, headlining UFC 292 in Boston on August 19, ended at the 0:51 mark of the second round with the reigning champion losing by technical knockout.
Source: https://fighttime.ru/news/item/32453-merab-dvalishvili-brosil-vyzov-shonu-o-melli.html?rand=19907
