Merab Dvalishvili’s win sparks pleasure in Georgia
Watch beneath as hundreds rejoice in Dvalishvili’s victory.
An unforgettable day for Georgia, Georgian sport and Georgian folks 🇬🇪❤
7-8AM, hundreds of individuals within the streets of Tbilisi, Georgia, paralyzed capital metropolis, and #AndNew UFC Bantamweight Champion Merab Dvalishvili! 👑
What a time to be alive as a Georgian! 🇬🇪
🎥 Setanta… pic.twitter.com/yiL6SLBewR
— Giorgi Kokiashvili 🇬🇪 (@iHeartGeorgius1) September 15, 2024
Dvalishvili is unbeaten over his final 11 fights, together with current victories over former UFC champions. Earlier than UFC 306, he defeated Petr Yan, Henry Cejudo, and José Aldo en path to the title shot.
Dvalishvili will possible face the undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov subsequent for his first title protection. Nurmagomedov most just lately defeated former interim title challenger Cory Sandhagen at UFC Abu Dhabi.
Dvalishvili’s path to the world title got here after back-to-back losses to start his promotional tenure. A win over Terrion Ware in Sept. 2018 was the catalyst for his present run contained in the Octagon.
Dvalishvili’s final defeat was towards Ricky Simon in April 2018. He misplaced his UFC debut by a controversial cut up determination in 2017.
Dvalishvili acquired revenge for his teammate and former UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling. At UFC 292 final yr, Sterling misplaced his bantamweight title towards O’Malley by second-round TKO.
Dvalishvili is now the hunted at 135lbs in arguably the UFC’s most stacked division. Nurmagomedov, Sandhagen, Deiveson Figueiredo, and others are ready within the wings for a title shot.
Dvalishvili and Topuria have helped put Georgia on the fight sports activities map. No matter how each fighters do from right here on out, their impression on the area is inarguable.