Following his dominant win over ‘Sugar’ Sean O’Malley final month, newly minted UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili acquired 1,000,000 {dollars} from the Georgian authorities.
Based on a submit from Georgian MMA reporter Giorgi Kokiashvili, ‘The Machine’ acquired 1,000,000 GEL which interprets to only over $367,000. Per the report, Dvalishvili plans to present the cash away to charity and assist assist the event of BJJ and MMA gyms within the nation.
“Authorities of Georgia gifted Merab Dvalishvili 1,000,000 Georgian Lari for changing into the UFC Champion. (approx. $367,666) Merab Dvalishvili stated that he’ll give this cash to charities and develop the MMA Groups and BJJ/Judo/Wrestling golf equipment to be able to elevate extra UFC Champions in Georgia.”
Merab Dvalishvili reveals timeline for UFC return
With the win over O’Malley at UFC 306, Dvalishvili prolonged his unbeaten streak to 9 and is already eyeing his first bantamweight title protection.
Although nothing is official, all indicators level towards ‘The Machine’ squaring off with No. 2 ranked contender Umar Nurmagomedov. The undefeated Dagestani thrust himself towards the highest of the rankings in August with a dominant choice victory over Cory Sandhagen at UFC Abu Dhabi. Total, Nurmagomedov is an ideal 18-0 with six of his victories coming below the UFC banner.
“The UFC hasn’t formally contacted me concerning my first title protection but,” Dvalishvili instructed Georgian media at a latest press convention (by way of She Loves The Gloves). “Lots of people are beginning to speak, everybody can be attempting to get my consideration. Umar will in all probability be the following one going through me for the title, as he appears to have lots of assist proper now” (h/t SI.com).
As for when the 2 might tussle, Dvalishvili it would possible be earlier than Ramada which can be noticed from February 28 to March 30, 2025.
“[Dagestani fighters] normally don’t combat throughout Ramadan, so it would almost certainly be earlier than that. Perhaps within the Spring. February or March,” Dvalishvili stated of when he’ll combat Nurmagomedov.
