In contrast to Conor McGregor, Merab Dvalishvili gained’t let somewhat toe damage cease him from getting again contained in the Octagon.
On June 7, ‘The Machine’ is scheduled to place his bantamweight title on the road in opposition to the very man he took it from final 12 months, Sean O’Malley. Information of their rematch got here with little fanfare, however followers shortly discovered themselves fearful that the sequel scrap was at risk after Dvalishvili revealed a swollen pinky toe on his proper foot following a coaching session.
Maybe experiencing some PTSD after McGregor’s notorious withdrawal from his UFC 303 bout with Michael Chandler, struggle followers flipped out over the revelation, believing that Dvalishvili can be unable to compete, decreasing us to a single title tilt at UFC 316.
“As you guys see, no extra black and blue—nonetheless somewhat fats, however it’s good,” Dvalishvili stated in an interview with MMA Junkie, guaranteeing everybody {that a} toe damage wouldn’t preserve him out of headlining the UFC’s subsequent pay-per-view. “I’m strolling, it’s just a bit pinky toe, gained’t be any drawback. After I posted that, individuals have been like, ‘Merab, what are you doing, why are you placing this on the web?’ However my coach stated, if it’s one thing vital, I gained’t submit it. That was not vital. I’ve 9 different toes—I’m good!
“I used to be shocked by how a lot individuals reacted, like everybody was fearful I wouldn’t be capable to struggle. It’s nothing, man. We received the rematch, you understand I’m going to struggle.”
Merab Dvalishvili is a sizeable favourite in rematch in opposition to ‘Sugar’
The UFC’s return to New Jersey might be Dvalishvili’s second time defending the bantamweight title, the primary coming in opposition to Umar Nurmagomedov in January. ‘The Machine’ delivered one other lights-out efficiency, handing the Dagestani his first profession loss and increasing his personal unbeaten streak to 12.
Dvalishvili is at present a -325 favourite to defeat O’Malley and retain his 135-pound crown in The Backyard State.
