Merab Dvalishvili (17-4) wants to show the world that greatness can be achieved purely through hard work.
Dvalishvili is riding a 10-fight winning streak, the longest in UFC bantamweight history — a run that would have earned him a title shot long ago if not for his reluctance to fight his friend, former champ Aljamain Sterling. The Georgian now gets his gold bid at long last against Sean O’Malley (18-1) in the main event at UFC 306 at the Sphere in Las Vegas on Saturday.
“The Machine” could become the second Georgian to win a UFC title after Georgian-Spaniard Ilia Topuria knocked out Alexander Volkanovski to win the featherweight title this past February. In addition to the massive implications it would have for his country, Dvalishvili also wants to set an example for hard workers. Known for his relentless cardio, Dvalishvili admits that he isn’t physically gifted and rather relies sheerly on hard work.
“It will be crazy for my country. It means a lot for a small country for a fighter to win UFC belt. Everybody knows that I’m just a hard worker. I’m not gifted,” Dvalishvili told UFC.com. “When I win this belt, it will show people that you can just work hard and, of course, give a good example to kids and hardworking people. One thing I know for sure is I’m going to do everything to win the belt, and I want to do so many great things with the belt.”
UFC 306, also rebranded as Noche UFC Riyadh Season, is the promotion’s tribute to the country of Mexico and its contribution to combat sports. Without anyone of Mexican descent featuring in the main event at UFC 306, Dvalishvili has assumed the role of an honorary Mexican, visiting the city of Tijuana to further embrace the culture. Dvalishvili notes that it’s the Mexican people’s work ethic that he feels a strong connection with along with their camaraderie.
UFC 306: O’Malley vs. Dvalishvili Saturday at 10 ET on ESPN+. Order Now!
“I love the country of Mexico, and I love Mexican people because they are hard workers,” he said. “They support each other, and I love it. They’re tough people, they’re warrior people, they support each other, and they are tight together. I feel like I am one of them. I’m a warrior, I like to support my friends, my people. We have a connection and I’m going to represent Mexico.”
Usually known for his grappling, Dvalishvili has vowed to adapt a Mexican style of aggression against O’Malley, who is known for his striking precision. Dvalishvili claims “Sugar” just needs to tag him clean to awaken the animal inside of him.
“I have a big heart. If he hits me hard, he’s going to wake me up; he’s going to wake up the animal in me and I’m going to go even more hard,” Dvalishvili said.
