Islam Makhachev Backed by Merab Dvalishvili to Make History at Madison Square Garden

UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili believes Islam Makhachev can make history at UFC 322.

Islam Makhachev Backed by Merab Dvalishvili to Make History at Madison Square Garden

Merab Dvalishvili believes Islam Makhachev can be a double champ (ESPN, Bloody Elbow)

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In mixed martial arts, Madison Square Garden has become one of the most iconic venues for historic moments. Over the years, the arena has hosted some of the UFC’s biggest championship fights, often serving as the stage where legacies are cemented. Now, the possibility of Islam Makhachev attempting to make history in New York is irrefutable, according to Georgian star Merab Dvalishvili.

Makhachev vacated the lightweight championship this year, a belt he had defended successfully and used to establish himself as one of the UFC’s most dominant fighters. By relinquishing his title, he has cleared the path to move up in weight and fully commit to the challenge of the welterweight division. He is set to take on welterweight kingpin Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322.

Dvalishvili has made a name for himself in UFC bantamweight history by dominating former champions and emerging prospects, including Jose Aldo, Henry Cejudo, and Sean O’Malley. While there have been doubts regarding Makhachev’s performance at 170 pounds, Dvalishvili was clear regarding his stance on the UFC 322 fight. He spoke about the UFC 322 main event in an interview with Helen Yee Sports.

It’s possible for Islam Makhachev to win the second belt. JDM is a great fighter, a great striker, but Islam is tricky. I’m sure Islam will take lots of lessons from the Belal/Jack fight and make adjustments. It’s gonna be hard, but Islam can win the second belt.

Merab Dvalishvili via Helen Yee Sports

The Georgian champion believed that observing how Della Maddalena handled a grinding, pressure-heavy opponent like Belal Muhammad may offer Makhachev valuable insight as he plans his approach. For the unversed, JDM came in on short notice and defeated Muhammad at UFC 315 to win the welterweight championship via unanimous decision.

However, there has been some back-and-forth between Dvalishvili and Makhachev in the past. Makhachev supported his teammate and Dvalishvili’s rival, Umar Nurmagomedov, ahead of their UFC 311 clash. Makhachev was also headlining the same card against Renato Moicano and was caught up between their rivalry during the press conferences.

Dvalishvili’s support for the former lightweight champion’s move underscores the belief that Makhachev’s grappling and control could translate effectively at welterweight. While the outcome remains uncertain, the endorsement highlights the respect Makhachev has earned from elite fighters across divisions. The clash of styles and iconic setting ensured this fight will stand as a pivotal moment of this year.

Merab Dvalishvili and Islam Makhachev argue on nationalities

In the UFC and other combat sports, fighters have frequently been identified by their regional origins rather than by the country as a whole. Dagestani athletes, for example, are renowned for producing world-class wrestlers and grapplers. However, Chechen and Ingush fighters have established reputations for their striking and mixed martial arts styles.

Merab Dvalishvili and Islam Makhachev debate on Russia
Merab Dvalishvili and Islam Makhachev debate on Russia (via MMA Fighting, Bloody Elbow)

While the UFC has seen many fighters from the Caucasus region, Merab Dvalishvili believed that not all of them can be considered Russian. His comments stem from Islam Makhachev and Dagestani fighters representing Russia. He took examples of fighters such as Khabib Nurmagomedov, Khamzat Chimaev, and Movsar Evloev to highlight the distinction.

We all know that Khabib and Islam they’re from Dagestan, Khamzat is from Chechnya, Movsar Evloev is from Ingushetia. They are all different countries… Now somehow Russia take over those countries and they have to represent Russia.

Merab Dvalishvili via YouTube

Merab Dvalishvili’s comments underscore the broader discussion about how fighters from these regions are recognized internationally. While Islam Makhachev competes under the UFC banner with global recognition, his Dagestani background remains a central part of his identity. This distinguishes him from other Russian athletes and this distinction is increasingly recognized in media coverage.

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