Merab Dvalishvili has given his two cents on why he misplaced his RAF rematch towards former UFC double champ Henry Cejudo.
This previous weekend at RAF 12, “Triple C” returned to the mats to run it again with “The Machine.” Because the bout started, Cejudo flipped Dvalishvili, scored a fast takedown, after which squeezed Dvalishvili to safe a pinfall in simply 36 seconds.
With the victory, Cejudo not solely avenged his earlier RAF Georgia defeat to Dvalishvili but additionally captured the inaugural Real American Freestyle Lightweight Crossover title.
Earlier in the present day, throughout an interview with Ariel Helwani, Dvalishvili confessed that he didn’t have sufficient time to correctly prepare for this RAF rematch. He mentioned:
“It was dangerous since I beat him [Henry Cejudo] in wrestling… I knew he was making ready one thing. I do know he was gonna research me, and I don’t have time to actually prepare for wrestling like this. I’m centered for my struggle at all times.”
“If I’ve a wrestling match in RAF, I normally [prepare for] about week, as a second coaching, however yeah, I misplaced this match. I used to be smiling. I used to be joyful for him.” [h/t: Ariel Helwani]
Try Merab Dvalishvili’s feedback under:
Dvalishvili needs to run it again with “Triple C” for a 3rd time to finish the trilogy, however for now, he has his UFC duties to deal with.
When did Merab Dvalishvili not have time to arrange for the RAF Henry Cejudo rematch?
Merab Dvalishvili will return to the octagon at UFC 333 to run it again with present and two-time bantamweight champion Petr Yan, who dethroned him final yr at UFC 323.
Preparations for this title rematch stored the 35-year-old busy; due to this fact, earlier than his second RAF task towards Henry Cejudo, he didn’t have sufficient time to prepare.
2025 was a busy yr for Merab Dvalishvili, and attempting to defend his belt 4 instances in a yr to interrupt data took a toll on his well being, efficiency, and preparations. He finally misplaced the strap after a brutal five-round battle with Yan.
This time, after almost 10 months of relaxation, “The Machine” is coming to reclaim his belt, and he plans to return to being an lively champion, as he has at all times performed.
