LAS VEGAS – Merab Dvalishvili is accustomed to establishing milestones within the Ultimate Fighting Championship, and he now aims for a fresh objective: attaining the highest number of championship defenses in a single year.
Dvalishvili (21-4 MMA, 14-2 UFC), the current titleholder in the 135-pound division, has successfully defended his championship on three occasions this year: first in January against Umar Nurmagomedov, followed by a June match against Sean O’Malley, and most recently in October against Cory Sandhagen. Dvalishvili secured a victory over Sandhagen (18-6 MMA, 11-5 UFC) through a unanimous decision this past Saturday, serving as the co-main event for UFC 320 held at the T-Mobile Arena.
“The Machine” expresses his desire to be scheduled for another fight during the December pay-per-view event in Las Vegas, with his preferred opponent being his most intense rival to date, Petr Yan.
“Certainly, I would very much appreciate the opportunity to compete in December, mainly because I have other prospects to travel elsewhere,” Dvalishvili stated. “It feels positive, and I cherish every destination I visit, yet it would detract from my focus on fights, which is what I value most. I aim to stay engaged, and I prefer not to prolong the wait for the next contenders. I understand Petr is currently on a three-fight winning streak, and being a former champion, I believe he warrants a title fight. That’s my opinion. Should the UFC approve, I am prepared to fight in December.”
Dvalishvili and Yan (19-5 MMA, 11-4 UFC) previously faced each other in 2023, where Dvalishvili emerged victorious with a commanding unanimous decision. Currently, Yan is on a three-fight winning streak, having achieved victories over Song Yadong, Deiveson Figueiredo, and most recently, Marcus McGhee.
Dvalishvili, who is considered by many to be a premier bantamweight competitor in MMA history, considers the Dec. 6 event as an opportune time for his return. He is also open to competing in January, similar to his schedule this year, but he anticipates potential logistical complications during the holiday season.
“I am very much open to fighting in December; it presents no problem,” Dvalishvili commented. “Whoever the UFC believes deserves the opportunity more, I am ready and want to communicate that I am prepared. Should they grant me this preference, it would be greatly appreciated. I can also fight in January, though it does present a slight challenge, as was the case when I fought Umar this year due to Christmas, New Year, and Georgian Christmas, which we celebrate 14 days after the traditional Christmas. Additionally, there is my birthday on January 10. During this time, the UFC PI is closed, gyms are closed, sparring partners are enjoying time with their families, and some are vacationing in the mountains. The colder weather also adds a bit of difficulty, but it is still manageable.”
This piece was originally published on MMA Junkie: Dvalishvili eyes record-breaking UFC title defense in December
