Merab Dvalishvili dreams of vacating title for Georgian brother Aleksandre Topuria might face major problem

UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili is ready to vacate his title but wouldn't fight one particular UFC featherweight fighter.

Merab Dvalishvili dreams of vacating title for Georgian brother Aleksandre Topuria might face major problem

Merab Dvalishvili vacating his title for Aleksandre Topuria faces an uncertainty (Image via Instagram/X)

Georgian MMA fighter Merab Dvalishvili is currently the champion of the UFC bantamweight division. In his quest for the UFC title, the ‘Machine’ defeated the popular Sean O’Malley to claim his championship. However, given the current landscape in the UFC, Dvalishvili has also contemplated the possibility of vacating his title.

A few weeks ago, Merab Dvalishvili expressed his intention to vacate his UFC bantamweight title on one condition. As such, he would move up to a higher weight class if his good friend Aleksandre Topuria became a contender in the 135-pound division. However, if Dvalishvili decides to move up to the featherweight division, he would eliminate the possibility of fighting Alexander Volkanovski.

It’s nothing like I don’t want to take a risk, or it’s nothing like I’m scared or something. But I just have so much respect, I just don’t want to fight Alexander Volkanovski.

Merab Dvalishvili via Manouk Akopyan on YouTube
YouTube video

Given Dvalishvili’s current standing in the UFC, he would be a strong contender for the championship belt if he moves up to the 145 lbs division. The UFC featherweight division is currently experiencing a lot of drama. Notably, champion Ilia Topuria is contemplating fighting against Islam Makhachev, while Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes compete for the vacant title left by ‘El Matador.’

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One of the main reasons Dvalishvili does not want to fight Volkanovski is their strong bond. Over the years, they have expressed mutual respect on many occasions. Notably, the former UFC featherweight champion has even mentioned his desire to collaborate with Dvalishvili on skit videos. However, despite Dvalishvili’s preferences, he has become a sought-after opponent for many other UFC fighters.

Merab Dvalishvili’s coach reveals his preferred opponent

Merab Dvalishvili, known as the “Machine,” is currently on an impressive 12-fight win streak. Most recently, he defended his bantamweight title for the first time at UFC 311. Despite facing skepticism about his status as a champion, Dvalishvili has elevated his reputation in the promotion. As a result, it is not surprising that he is receiving numerous names for potential fight opponents.

Should Merab Dvalishvili fight Alexandre Pantoja?
Should Merab Dvalishvili fight Alexandre Pantoja? (Image via UFC/Instagram)

In the current UFC landscape, many prominent fighters are pursuing double champion status. Alongside names like Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria, UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja has also expressed his desire to compete for a second title. Notably, Dvalishvili’s coach agrees that this matchup should happen.

I’d like to see Merab against Pantoja. I think Pantoja should come up and fight him…It’s a superfight. I like to see those fights where guys come up and they get a title shot.

Ray Longo via Anik and Florian podcast #538
YouTube video

Alexandre Pantoja has an impressive record and is currently on a significant win streak, similar to Dvalishvili. Most recently, Pantoja defended his flyweight title against Kai Asakura at UFC 310, winning by submission. Given their current statuses as UFC champions, it will be interesting to see if the promotion considers organizing a fight between them.

Related: Alexandre Pantoja Net Worth, UFC contract, Endorsements and House