Devastated Aljamain Sterling boldly speaks out on Dana White and UFC’s ‘politics’; demands title shot for Merab Dvalishvili
The complicated relationship between Aljamain Sterling, Merab Dvalishvili and the UFC took a new turn after the former bantamweight champion made a startling decision.
Aljamain Sterling vouches for Merab Dvalishvili to get the title shot (via Imago)
Dana White complicated the state of things in the bantamweight division by insulting Merab Dvalishvili for not fighting Aljamain Sterling. Merab responded with his fight resume of a 9-fight winning streak and demanded a title shot if the UFC did not give Sterling a rematch. Recently, Sterling came out in support of Merab and recommended a title shot for the Georgian fighter.
The Funkmaster supported Merab and wanted the UFC to consider him for the next title shot. He stated that he might not get the rematch because of internal politics. However, he wanted Merab to get the title shot he deserved. Merab is tied for the longest winning streak in the bantamweight division. Sterling will deem a title shot for him or Merab as a victory for their team.
Merab and Sterling have one of the closest friendships ever seen in the UFC. They train under Matt Serra and Ray Longo out of Long Island. Over the last couple of years, they have dominated the bantamweight division with their wrestling-heavy style. The duo has notable wins over Petr Yan, Henry Cejudo, Jose Aldo, Cory Sandhagen, Marlon Moraes, and T.J. Dillashaw. The UFC has never had two teammates dominating an entire division.
The UFC apparently wants to give Marlon Vera the next title shot against champion Sean O’Malley. However, other more deserving contenders like Sandhagen, Merab, and Sterling exist. Nevertheless, O’Malley vs. Vera might be the best option for business as they have competed once before.
Fans react to Aljamain Sterling’s decision to ask the UFC about Merab Dvalishvili’s title shot
The friendship between Sterling and Merab remains wholesome for the entire MMA community. The duo have dominated the division for the last several years. Fans praised Aljo for supporting his team and bashed Dana White for his ruthless business tactics. Check out some of the fan reactions:
s=19https://twitter.com/combatsbadboys/status/1697116718819082510?s=19
The future of the bantamweight division might get complicated. Suga wants to defend the title in December but only wants to face Vera. On the other hand, Sterling deserves a title shot, and so does Merab. However, the UFC might not like that idea.
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