Recalling Conor McGregor’s Pinky Toe Injury, Merab Dvalishvili Gives Savage Response

UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili won't take the Conor McGregor way and pull out after suffering a toe injury.

Recalling Conor McGregor’s Pinky Toe Injury, Merab Dvalishvili Gives Savage Response

Merab Dvalishvili compares his injury with Conor McGregor (via Imago)

UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili is scheduled to fight former champion Sean O’Malley at the upcoming UFC 316 event. It will be their second title fight after the Georgian breezed past O’Malley in the first bout with dominant wrestling and pressure. Going into the fight, Dvalishvili has injured his pinky toe which has raised some doubts among fans and analysts alike.

However, the fighter isn’t necessarily concerned about the injury and believes that it wouldn’t impact his performance or chances of winning. During his recent interview with Michael Bisping and Paul Felder, Dvalishvili was asked about his injury being like Conor McGregor’s. ‘The Notorious’ withdrew from UFC 303 due to it, but Dvalishvili insists he’s still fighting, injury or not:

I don’t want to comment on Conor McGregor’s toe because I don’t know the pain or exact situation, but I still have nine other toes and it’s fine.

McGregor’s injury happened shortly before his highly anticipated return against Michael Chandler, leaving fans disappointed and the event in jeopardy. Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka stepped in at the last minute, delivering an electrifying showdown that salvaged the entire card. Since that cancellation, McGregor has remained inactive, refusing to confirm any fight and continuing to leave his long-awaited comeback postponed.

Injuries like this are common for Dvalishvili, who’s known for training intensely and pushing himself beyond normal. Ahead of UFC Noche last year, he sustained an injury that led to harsh criticism from Dana White for putting the event at risk. Despite the injury, Dvalishvili performed impressively, and this time around, expectations remain high that he’ll deliver another dominant showing.

UFC veteran credits Merab Dvalishvili’s incredible fighting style

Merab Dvalishvili has showcased unmatched dominance in the bantamweight division, overwhelming opponents with relentless pressure and unmatched cardio. He’s defeated multiple UFC veterans, including Jose Aldo, Henry Cejudo and Petr Yan, proving his elite skillset is difficult to tackle. In his career-defining moment, Dvalishvili outworked Sean O’Malley last year with relentless takedowns and control, winning the bout and belt.

Merab Dvalishvili's incredible dominance
Merab Dvalishvili’s incredible dominance (via X)

Most recently, he faced and defeated Umar Nurmagomedov, handing Khabib Nurmagomedov’s protege his first loss in a dominant way. With these wins, the ‘Machine’ has undeniably earned recognition as the division’s most dangerous and consistent fighter. Cejudo, who is a former Olympic wrestler, recently talked in detail about Dvalishvili’s fighting technique.

I knew Merab was really, really good with his chain fighting. So, it’s not even wrestling, it’s how you chain it. That’s what separates them… Chaining is really putting the punches together and boom, the level change comes. Rather than just you maybe throwing a right hand and all of a sudden the level change comes. He’s able to mix it very good with his feints. He’s a fu**ing machine. It’s his cardio, it’s his conditioning.

Going into UFC 316, O’Malley and coach Tim Welch are confident about reclaiming the title after crucial improvements. ‘Suga’ admitted that he wasn’t at one hundred percent in his last fight but has made important lifestyle changes. UFC commentator Joe Rogan highlighted O’Malley’s recent hip surgery, which was essential for his recovery and upcoming title fight.

The former champion recently sparred with Israel Adesanya, known for his dynamic striking, enhancing his stand-up skills significantly. He also trained in wrestling with Demetrious Johnson, focusing on improving his grappling and takedown defense for better versatility. It will be interesting to see if these training changes impact his performance and affect the outcome at UFC 316.