UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili is aiming for a really lively 2025.
Dvalishvili (18-4 MMA, 11-2 UFC) kicks off subsequent 12 months with a title protection in opposition to Umar Nurmagomedov (18-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) within the co-main occasion of UFC 311 on Jan. 18 in Inglewood, Calif. (ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPN, ESPN+).
If he will get previous Nurmagomedov, Dvalishvili is trying to defend his title one other two instances within the first third of the 12 months.
“I need to win this battle and I need to be busy in 2025,” Dvalishvili stated in an interview with the UFC. “I’m combating early this 12 months, Jan. 18, and I simply need to be busy. I do know (Sean) O’Malley desires to come back again in April. I feel Petr (Yan) can be prepared in March. So perhaps battle Petr in March, rematch (O’Malley) in April, and whoever would be the subsequent contender (after that), I’ll take. I’ll clear the division once more.”
Dvalishvili initially wished extra time earlier than making his first title protection in opposition to Nurmagomedov. He was closely criticized for deeming Nurmagomedov as an unworthy title challenger, and has felt the detrimental reception from the general public heading into the battle.
“The final couple of fights, I used to get plenty of consideration. Folks acknowledge me. However hate on Instagram and social media, that was very laborious for me,” Dvalishvili advised ESPN. “That was like additional strain. But it surely’s all good. Now I’m good. I’m targeted for the battle.
“One of the simplest ways now could be I ought to simply keep busy and take fights, and that’s it, as a result of I used to be going to get pleasure from this time, however now I really feel like I’m Conor McGregor – plenty of drama comes. Even Jon Jones and Mike Tyson used to get plenty of drama. I’m like, ‘The place is that this coming from?’ I’m the identical man. I’m coaching, doing the identical issues – however it’s all good.”
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