A UFC Corridor of Famer thinks Merab Dvalishvili shouldn’t enter the octagon early in 2026. Dvalishvili, who has been nominated as Fighter of the Yr by main MMA shops, efficiently defended his UFC bantamweight gold thrice in 2025 in opposition to notable opponents Umar Nurmagomedov, Sean O’Malley, and Cory Sandhagen.
In December at UFC 323, ‘The Machine’ wished to create historical past by efficiently defending his belt 4 instances in a single yr.
He took on Petr Yan in a rematch and misplaced by unanimous choice. It simply wasn’t the Georgian’s evening within the Octagon. He stayed true to his fashion and fought the way in which he all the time does, however on this event, Yan was merely the superior fighter.
Dvalishvili desires to run it again and end his trilogy with Yan, which is now tied at 1-1. He’s already again within the health club and is prepping to get better his misplaced glory.
Michael Bisping desires Merab Dvalishvili to take a six-month break from preventing
Michael Bisping thinks Merab Dvalishvili must take a while away from the octagon. On the JAXXON Podcast, he steered Dvalishvili take a 6-month break from preventing and let Yan fight Umar Nurmagomedov within the meantime. When Dvalishvili returns, he can struggle the winner of Yan vs. Umar.
‘The Rely’ said:
“I believe if Merab takes an excellent break, takes a while off, possibly six months, let [Petr] Yan struggle Umar Nurmagomedov after which come again and struggle the winner. Taking six months away, having fun with the spoils of his riches, and having fun with his laborious work. Go to Georgia. Spend time with household. Eat some meals. Take into consideration nothing. Don’t take into consideration preventing.”
Try Michael Bisping’s feedback beneath (1:02:06):
Umar Nurmagomedov, who misplaced to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 311, returned to profitable methods in opposition to Mario Bautista at UFC 321. The Russian fighter is slated to struggle Deiveson Figueiredo subsequent at UFC 324. Umar plans to breeze previous Figueiredo after which struggle for the title.
Then again, former champion Sean O’Malley has additionally proven curiosity in preventing present and two-time UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan. ‘Suga’ desires to lock horns with ‘No Mercy’ on June 14, when the promotion heads to the South Garden of the White Home.
