At UFC 298, Merab Dvalishvili, “The Machine,” showcased his mastery in wrestling and pressure fighting, delivering a commanding performance against former Olympic champion and two-division king Henry Cejudo. With a unanimous decision victory (29-28, 29-28, 29-28), Dvalishvili asserted his dominance in the bantamweight division.
Merab Dvalishvili’s Statement Performance:
Dvalishvili’s relentless takedowns and suffocating top control left Cejudo struggling to mount offense throughout the fight. Despite flashes of brilliance from Cejudo, Dvalishvili dictated the pace and tempo, showcasing superior grappling and ground striking.
A Bold Demand for the Title:
With his win extending an impressive 10-fight win streak, Dvalishvili wasted no time in calling out the current bantamweight champion, Sean O’Malley, and demanding a title shot. His post-fight declaration emphasized his belief in being the best in the division and his readiness to face any opponent.
What’s Next for Dvalishvili:
Dvalishvili’s dominant victory solidifies his position as a top contender in the 135-pound division. While a matchup against O’Malley seems imminent, the UFC may also consider waiting for the outcome of the upcoming title fight between O’Malley and Marlon Vera to determine Dvalishvili’s next opponent.
Key Takeaways:
- Merab Dvalishvili extends his win streak to 10 fights with a dominant performance against Henry Cejudo.
- Dvalishvili’s strong wrestling and pressure fighting nullified Cejudo’s strengths, establishing him as a formidable force in the bantamweight division.
- Dvalishvili’s callout of Sean O’Malley signals his eagerness for a title shot and his confidence in his abilities.
- His impressive display at UFC 298 cements Dvalishvili as a clear contender in the competitive bantamweight division.
Additional Notes:
- The event also witnessed Ilia Topuria’s stunning second-round knockout victory against Alexander Volkanovski, crowning him the new featherweight champion.
- UFC 298 showcased several exhilarating matchups and introduced new rising stars to the MMA scene.