WATCH: Merab Dvalishvili Handed Hero’s Welcome in Georgia After Dismantling Sean O’Malley at UFC 316

Merab Dvalishvili's return to Georgia after UFC 316 marked by absolute mob scene and met with a giant hero's welcome.

WATCH: Merab Dvalishvili Handed Hero’s Welcome in Georgia After Dismantling Sean O’Malley at UFC 316

Return of Merab Dvalishvili to Georgia with UFC title sees giant hero's welcome (Source: X)

The lands of Georgia have had two belt holders in the UFC ranks. Consequently, the second man to snag gold, Merab Dvalishvili of Tbilisi, Georgian SSR, is now a stuff of folklore in his land. ‘The Machine’ recently submitted Sean O’Malley, defeating him a second time during the UFC 316 PPV headliner.

The Georgian fighter and his arrival, along with a proper security entourage, were absolutely mobbed by eager fans awaiting his return. It’s not unfamiliar territory; Spanish-Georgian compatriot Ilia Topuria met a similar hero’s welcome back after his UFC 298 PPV win last February.

Dvalishvili has been a fan favorite for a while now; along with his funny, comical demeanor, his last few scraps have been a hell of a performance. Giorgi Kokiashvili (@iHeartGeorgius1) of Setanta Sports uploaded footage of 10,000 fans swarming the streets after UFC 306, this past September.

Moreover, Georgian climber Nika Phaliani went viral watching Dvalishvili bag gold at the annual Noche PPV from atop mountain Ushba, at 4,710m (15452ft)! Now, his dominant and class show at UFC 316 only adds to the stock that is Merab Dvalishvili.

Footage from Ariel Helwani and Daniel Rubenstein even shows crowds mobbing up his arrival at the airport, all the way to his home! After yet another title win this past weekend, even twice-rival O’Malley is acclimating to his possible bantamweight glory status and is looking forward to his run.

Sean O’Malley eager on outcome of GOAT Merab Dvalishvili vs. Umar Nurmagomedov PPV title rematch

Names like Jon Anik and even Henry Cejudo have already given Merab Dvalishvili his dues as a true bantamweight GOAT. After UFC 316 PPV in Newark, Jon Jones even congratulated him for tying his win-streak [13 consecutive bouts], along with Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Merab Dvalishvili could improve his arsenal even more, after UFC 316 win
Merab Dvalishvili could improve his arsenal even more, after UFC 316 win (Source: X)

Now, despite a nerve-racking loss, a laid-back “Suga” who takes solace and learning moments from his loss, can’t help but put Merab Dvalishvili on tap to be a UFC 135-pound GOAT. The “Machine” out of Georgia showcased some tremendous standup improvements as well as honed in on his ground game.

With the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board (NJSACB) not allowing for 12-6 elbows, Dvalisvhili still dominated on feet and on mount. He submitted O’Malley via third-round submission.

Before that, Dvalishvili retained gold in his first defense against Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 311 PPV. Now that he has shown more improvement and even added to his arsenal. Suga wants to see a wrestler vs. wrestler rematch and how the champ fares again.

I feel like the Umar fight was very interesting, …[Specially if] If Umar really broke his hand in the first round. I remember watching that first round and was like, ‘Oh, f*ck, Umar is doing good.’ But also that’s just how good Merab is. I’m excited to see how that plays out, too.

Sean O’Malley on the ‘TimboSugaShow’ Suga vs Merab Fight Breakdown Post UFC 316 | EP. 316

O’Malley’s coach/co-host, Tim Welch, and Ricky Schmitt pondered if he himself should face the former undefeated Nurmagomedov himself. However, O’Malley has subscribed to some time off after UFC 316. Meanwhile, ‘Young Eagle’ (18-1 MMA; now 6-1 UFC) gave Merab Dvalishvili a stiff start in opposition to his wrestling game.

The champ even dropped the first two rounds on two of the three judges’ scorecards, only to rally back later. Hence, on a pure skill-to-skill level, it’d be good to see if Dvalishvili incorporated some improvements there as well. For now, though, No. 4-ranked bantamweight contender Cory Sandhagen seems like the ‘it’ man for the next title shot.

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