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Merab Dvalishvili names dream fight, snubs injury concerns ahead of UFC 316

Exclusive interview with UFC champ Merab Dvalishvili

Mathew Riddle

Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili is anything but a quitter.

'The Machine' has built a reputation for his dogged attitude and relentless fighting pace.

As he approaches a generational run of his own, Dvalishvili could find himself in the same league as previous champions Dominick Cruz and TJ Dillashaw, if he hasn't already. However, when it comes to dream fights in the history of MMA, these names don't come to mind.

Merab Dvalishvil
Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Merab Dvalishvili names dream MMA fight as Conor McGregor

Stake Ambassador Dvalishvili told MMA Knockout that Conor McGregor would be his dream fight. It might be cliche, but 'The Notorious' has left the largest impact on the sport.

"I love Conor McGregor, to fight somebody like him that would be a dream fight," Dvalishvili said. "I love him. . . Personally I have nothing to fight him. . . But I fought Sean when he was the champion of the world, and I'm good. Other than [Conor] I have nothing else."

Dvalishvili would rather fight contenders on principle, especially considering he took such a tough route to the belt. This is despite taking on O'Malley in an immediate rematch.

"I have this thing where I want to fight the most deserving guys," Dvalishvili continued. "And whoever is in line, I want to fight the best."

Merab Dvalishvili celebrates defeating Umar Nurmagomedov
Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Merab Dvalishvili snubs injury concerns ahead of UFC 316

Dvalishvili drew concern from fans with a video of his bruised toe that he posted earlier this month. Fights have been cancelled for less, notably Conor McGregor's UFC 303 return, which was cancelled over a broken little toe.

'The Machine' doesn't care to compare himself to other fighters, but dismisses the injury all the same.

"It's not going to affect me for fighting or training," Dvalishvili said. "I feel good physically and mentally. . .

"I can't talk for other fighters' situations, but for me this little toe is nothing. I'm a fighter and this will not affect me in the fight. . . . It won't be a problem."

For a man that went viral for splitting his head open in a frozen lake, a toe is little concern.

Dvalishvili makes a second defense of his bantamweight belt in the main event of UFC 316 on June 7.

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Mathew Riddle
MATHEW RIDDLE

Mathew is a UK-based combat sports journalist, graphic designer, and SEO expert with half a decade of digital marketing and a dedicated four-year track record in MMA journalism. He joined MMA Knockout when it was founded in 2023. Mathew's insights have been featured on Bloody Elbow, The Fight Fanatic, and Heavy on UFC. He runs Warrior Tribune and can be contacted by his Muckrack profile.

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