Merab Dvalishvili might be the No. 1 contender in the bantamweight division but a win over Jose Aldo at UFC 278 won’t change his stance when it comes to a potential showdown with his friend and teammate Aljamain Sterling.
In a workman like performance, Dvalishvili was in constant pursuit of Aldo, looking for takedowns and putting on the pressure over three rounds to secure a unanimous decision win. The final scorecards read 30-27, 29-28 and 29-28 all for Dvalishvili, who has now earned eight wins in a row.
Afterwards, Dvalishvili was asked about his position in the division where he could potentially demand a title shot at 135 pounds where Sterling reigns as champion.
” My brother Aljamain Sterling is an amazing man. He’s the reason that I’m here,” Dvalishvili stated. He made me the person I am today. Aljo has given me a [eight] fighting streak. Right now, I am living the dream. Please don’t ask me this question anymore, we’re not fighting each other.”
Prior to his declaration, Dvalishvili first had to get through Aldo in what played out as a grueling three-round battle.
Going against a world class grappler, Aldo was smart to keep his distance until Dvalishvili finally showed his hand by diving inside to grab a leg to look for a takedown. Aldo showed great balance as he stayed upright before fighting out of Dvalishvili’s grasp to reset the fight in the center of the cage.
Dvalishvili continued to grapple and attempted another takedown. However, he then uncorked an overhead left that clubbed Aldo. He fired off a stiff back shot.
When Aldo finally unleashed his combinations, he was connecting with power and accuracy as Dvalishvili stepped into the pocket to meet him blow for blow. Eventually, Dvalishvili went back to his wrestling as he continued to look for the takedowns but Aldo continuously shrugged him off despite numerous attempts.
Aldo tried to start strikes whenever he could, but Dvalishvili acted like a dog without a bone. He kept pushing forward and pushing Dvalishvili against the cage to end the brawl.
Although Dvalishvili had not scored any takedowns heading into round three, Aldo was unable to keep up with his relentless pressure and consistent work ethic. Although Dvalishvili wasn’t doing much damage, the Georgian was still stalking Aldo around the cage. The former featherweight champion was stuck in cement.
That was the story of the fight as Dvalishvili secured the victory as he paid homage to Aldo after the final horn sounded.
” This is a nightmare,” Dvalishvili stated. I don’t believe it. It’s Jose Aldo but it was another fight. This is our job. It is our job to make sure that we are doing the best we can. I have to do everything for the win. I have so much respect for Jose Aldo.”
