UFC bantamweight contender Merab Dvalishvili talks a potential matchup with Aljamain Sterling.
Dvalishvili and Sterling have a solid relationship, as they have been friends for many years. They are training partners and are both top competitors in the bantamweight division. When Sterling was champion, there was a lot of talk about a potential matchup between the two. However, both fighters have stated that they are not interested in competing against each other. Yet, speaking to the MMA Hour, Dvalishvili did not close the door on a potential matchup with his training partner.
The Relationship Between Merab Dvalishvili And Aljamain Sterling
As previously stated, Sterling and Dvalishvili are elite competitors in a stacked 135-division. They are currently ranked in the top five and deserve a title shot. When Sterling was champion, Dvalishvili was the number one contender, but the two never collided in the octagon. The situation had a lot of people frustrated, including Dana White. Ever since Sterling lost the belt to Sean O’Malley, many people have wondered if he would step aside for Dvalishvili to get his shot at the championship. However, it looks like Sterling will get a title opportunity before Dvalishvili. The two fighters have a special bond, and it is safe to say that they would not be excited about fighting each other. They have been strong on the stance for a long time; the evidence for this is a statement that Dvalishvili made back at UFC 266.
“One thing is for sure: we’re never going to fight. Me and Aljo, we’re never going to fight each other.”
Dvalishvili On The Fight
In the fight game, you have to look out for number one as it’s an individual sport, and the ultimate goal is becoming a champion. As Sterling is a top fighter in the bantamweight division, it is plausible that Dvalishvili may have to fight him. Speaking to the MMA Hour, Dvalishvili talks about a potential matchup with Sterling.
“UFC never offered Aljo or me to fight each other,” Dvalishvili said. “I don’t understand why they complain to us (about) not fighting. Yes, of course, I don’t want to fight Aljo, and I don’t want to fight Aljo. But if UFC offered a fight, and UFC may be offered good money, and we may be in a situation where there is no one else that we can fight, then perhaps Aljo, I sit like always, and maybe we can fight.
“But now they make a big deal, like, Aljo is always booked,” Dvalishvili continued. “Aljo versus Petr Yan, then next TJ Dillashaw, after Henry Cejudo, and then they make him come back quick and give him (Sean) O’Malley. They never offered me! They never offered me Aljo. I don’t understand why people complain. Of course, I don’t want to fight Aljo, like I said. But like Aljo said in one of his interviews, if UFC offered money, maybe we fight if there is no one else.”
Quotes via MMA News
They are both great competitors, and it would be interesting to see them match up against each other.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
