UFC Bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili has stated clearly that he is not interested in moving up to the featherweight division to chase a second title.
Currently on an impressive 12-fight winning streak, Dvalishvili is scheduled to defend his bantamweight title in a rematch against Sean O’Malley at UFC 316 this Saturday. Dvalishvili has frequently mentioned that the process of cutting weight is more challenging for him than the actual fight, or dealing with the numerous injuries he often sustains before a bout.
Champions who demonstrate such dominance often consider moving up a weight class to challenge for another title. However, Dvalishvili openly admits that the idea of facing the acclaimed featherweight king, Alexander Volkanovski, represents a challenge he currently deems too difficult to pursue.
Merab Dvalishvili Discusses His Hesitation About Fighting Alexander Volkanovski
With his second bantamweight title defense against Sean O’Malley only days away, Merab Dvalishvili enters the fight as a significant favorite. He comprehensively defeated O’Malley in their initial encounter, despite the former champion`s objections, and is widely expected to repeat that performance.
During a media appearance on Fox Sports in Australia, Dvalishvili was interviewed by none other than Alexander Volkanovski himself. Addressing Volkanovski, Dvalishvili stated:
I mentioned a couple of times I don’t want to fight you because you are way stronger than me. I don’t want to take a big risk, I’m good. Even though this weight cut sucks I’d rather kill myself to make this weight and be comfortable here. I’m good, I don’t want to. Then we can cook peacefully and wish each other the best.
Volkanovski laughed at Dvalishvili`s seemingly lighthearted remarks before responding:
I appreciate that, the respect is mutual anyway. You’re a legend, I can’t wait to see you and good luck this weekend.
Alexander Volkanovski`s Future and Potential Next Opponent
Following his challenging victory over Diego Lopes at UFC 314, Alexander Volkanovski`s next steps in the featherweight division are currently uncertain. It is rumored that his next defense could be against Yair Rodriguez, an opponent he previously defeated by knockout in 2023.
While Volkanovski seems interested in fighting the undefeated Movsar Evloev, the UFC may require Evloev to secure another win before guaranteeing him a title shot. Speaking to Fox Sports, Volkanovski commented:
It’s pretty clear that it wasn’t going to be Movsar. I thought it would be him because he’s undefeated. I think they’ve matched him up. You’ve seen him tweet something about that, so he’s already gone out and made it public that he unfortunately can’t fight for the title.
Yair’s name has popped up, but no dates are set right now. I think it’s just a lot of moving parts through all of the divisions. I think there’s a lot happening right now and we’ll see what comes up. The rumors you’re all hearing are pretty much true, but nothing is locked in.
Percy Harlow