Merab Dvalishvili Exclusive UFC 316 Interview

We caught up with Stake Ambassador and reigning UFC Bantamweight Champion, Merab Dvalishvili ahead of his rematch with ‘Suga’ Sean O’Malley at UFC 316.

Merab will headline the event, live from Newark, New Jersey, where he looks to cement his legacy as one of the best Bantamweight fighters in history.

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How has training camp been? We’ve seen a few injuries, but are you worried about that going into the fight?

Training camp is good, everything has been great and I’m ready. None of the bumps and bruises will affect me, and I feel good physically and mentally. Fans need to stay tuned, buy the PPV and enjoy what will be a great fight.

It’s been nearly 9 months since you won the belt. How have you adjusted to life as Champion? We’ve seen your personality come out and you’ve become a fan favorite, but how has your day-to-day life changed?

My life doesn’t change much. I still live in the same house, I still have the same friends, still have the same good people around me. I think that if I have changed, it’s only in good ways. I’ve become more humble, now I have more opportunities to help people and motivate the young generation by giving them good advice and showing them a good example. I am grateful, so blessed, and before I never dreamed of becoming champion because of where I come from. But now I have this respect, and a gold belt, but like I said, I am more humble and grateful for life.

A few people seem to think that Sean isn’t the most deserving of his rematch, after how dominant the first fight was. How do you view that, were you shocked when the UFC said they that the rematch was next?

No, I wasn’t surprised because right now, Sean is the clear contender. Cory Sandhagen just won, Yan maybe, but I already beat him. UFC gave me this decision, and I think Sean will make some adjustments and this will be a really tough fight. I respect him a lot, but I am ready to do my job.

We are about to see Patchy Mix make his UFC debut on the same card as you vs Sean. Do you see Patchy as someone you’ll one day have to fight?

Patchy Mix is a very good fighter. I train with him once in a while and he’s one of the toughest sparring partners. We’ve talked before and I am happy for him that he’s in the UFC now, and if we have to fight in the future for the belt, it’s nothing personal, this is his family and my family, and we’re going to share the octagon respectfully and shake hands after the fight and wish each other best.

You are a proud Georgian, as is Ilia Topuria. Has there been any conversation that you know of, of the UFC ever hosting an event in the country?

Yes actually, we are working to have a UFC in Georgia, so let’s see how it goes. Georgia has two champions and some big fighters like Dolidze, Chikadze, and Topuria, as well as some good young guys coming up, so let’s see.

Lots of people are interested, and training MMA in Georgia and we have a good generation of fighters. We have good wrestling but to transfer from wrestling to MMA takes time, but you guys will soon see some younger Georgian fighters in the UFC.

Your friend Ilia has a massive fight coming up. What’s your prediction for him vs Oliveria?

Last time I saw Ilia was in Australia when his brother Aleksandre had his UFC debut. We spoke a lot, we always have a chat and are speaking over text and calling each other. He’s been training in Madrid and he’s more than ready to get that new belt.

I respect Charles Oliveria, and I love him, but Ilia got this fight because he has everything - boxing and jiu jitsu. Ilia’s power in the strike will be better than Charles, and even if Charles tries to take him down, Ilia will stuff that and he can even stop Charles’ submission attacks. I think Ilia will beat him in the striking.

When your friend Aljo was bantamweight champ, there was some talk of him moving up to fight Volk. With Volk now having the belt back, is that a fight that you and your team have in mind for Aljo?

Sterling isn’t chasing the fight against Volkanovski. Before he was just mentioning his name because he wanted to become double champ. I think especially now, they train together and they’re cool and are friends.