Bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili has stated he has no plans to move up to featherweight to challenge for a second title.
Dvalishvili is currently on an impressive 12-fight winning streak and is set to defend his bantamweight title in a rematch against Sean O’Malley at UFC 316. Despite his dominance, he frequently mentions the difficulty of cutting weight and dealing with injuries as tougher challenges than the fights themselves.
While dominant champions often consider moving to a higher weight class to pursue a second belt, Dvalishvili confessed that facing the esteemed featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski, is not a challenge he wishes to undertake.
Dvalishvili Explains Why He Avoids Facing Volkanovski
As his second title defense against Sean O’Malley at UFC 316 approaches, Merab Dvalishvili enters the bout as a significant favorite. He comprehensively defeated O’Malley in their initial encounter and is expected to replicate that performance.
Appearing on Fox Sports in Australia, Dvalishvili spoke directly to Volkanovski, who was also present. Dvalishvili candidly stated, “I mentioned a couple of times I don’t want to fight you because you are way stronger than me. I don’t want to take a big risk, I’m good. Even though this weight cut sucks I’d rather kill myself to make this weight and be comfortable here. I’m good, I don’t want to [fight Volkanovski].” He added humorously, “Then we can cook peacefully and wish each other the best.”
Volkanovski responded with a laugh, saying, “I appreciate that, the respect is mutual anyway. You’re a legend, I can’t wait to see you and good luck this weekend.”
Volkanovski Discusses His Next Featherweight Title Challenge
Meanwhile, the future of Alexander Volkanovski`s featherweight reign is being debated following his challenging fight against Diego Lopes at UFC 314. It`s speculated that his next defense could be against Yair Rodriguez, whom he previously defeated by knockout in 2023.
Volkanovski expressed interest in fighting the undefeated Movsar Evloev, but suggests the UFC may require Evloev to secure another win first. Volkanovski told Fox Sports, “It’s pretty clear that it wasn’t going to be Movsar… I thought it would be him because he’s undefeated. I think they’ve matched him up… he’s already gone out and made it public that he unfortunately can’t fight for the title.” He continued, “Yair’s name has popped up, but no dates are set right now. I think it’s just a lot of moving parts through all of the divisions… The rumors you’re all hearing are pretty much true, but nothing is locked in.”
