“I know I deserve,” Baffled Merab Dvalishvili fires back at Dana White for criticism over fighting dilemma with Aljamain Sterling

Merab Dvalishvili has finally responded to Dana White's criticism for refusing to face Aljamain Sterling for the UFC championship.

“I know I deserve,” Baffled Merab Dvalishvili fires back at Dana White for criticism over fighting dilemma with Aljamain Sterling

Merab Dvalishvili finally responds to Dana White's criticism ( Image via Imago )

Merab Dvalishvili recently addressed the criticisms directed at him by UFC CEO Dana White following the events of UFC 292. He found himself perplexed by the negative attention coming his way from both fans and his boss. This scrutiny escalated after Sterling’s unexpected loss of the UFC bantamweight championship to Sean O’Malley at UFC 292.

Dana White did not hold back and openly criticized Dvalishvili’s career decisions. White openly questioned why Dvalishvili pursued a career in MMA if his steadfast loyalty to Sterling would hinder his journey toward a title. Dvalishvili finally broke his silence to respond to White’s criticism. During an interview on The MMA Hour, he expressed his perplexity, stating he has not quite grasped the problem yet. “Maybe I don’t understand, maybe I don’t know. I’m a fighter and what I know I deserve,” Dvalishvili said.

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Regarding the UFC’s stance on his friendship with Sterling, he stated, “I don’t understand why people are always blaming our friendship…The UFC never offered Aljo or me to fight each other. I don’t understand why they complain.” Dvalishvili clarified that he had reservations about fighting his close friend. However, he and Sterling might consider it if the UFC offered the fight with a substantial financial incentive or a lack of other viable opponents.

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Dvalishvili also pointed out the many scheduling conflicts that have prevented him from facing Sterling in the past. He emphasized that Aljamain Sterling had been consistently matched against other fighters. Meanwhile, he had never been given the opportunity to fight Aljo. Merab Dvalishvili boasts an impressive nine-fight win streak in the UFC’s bantamweight division. His response to Dana White’s criticisms has attracted attention to the tense relationship between the two.

Related: “Bro didn’t use the kill option” – Fans in splits as Chito Vera says he’d marry Aljamain Sterling and Merab Dvalishvili and ‘f**k’ Sean O’Malley in game

Dana White speaks on Tony Ferguson’s highly important fight with Paddy Pimblett

Dana White recently addressed the highly anticipated showdown between Tony Ferguson and Paddy Pimblett. Ferguson is currently in the midst of a six-fight losing streak. On the other hand, Paddy Pimblett returns to the octagon after being away from the fight game for quite a while.

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Dana White spoke on Tony Ferguson and his potential retirement (Image source: Twitter )

Speaking to reporters at the DWCS 64 post-fight news conference, White expressed his belief in the upcoming match-up between Paddy Pimblett and Tony Ferguson. “I think the matchmaking and the timing on this fight is excellent and couldn’t be more perfect, “ he said. White also noted Tony Ferguson’s recent performances before the unfortunate loss to Michael Chandler. He pointed out that Tony looked exceptionally strong in his last few fights until the final moments. This fight promises to be an exhilarating spectacle.


Nonetheless, Dana White acknowledged the high stakes for Tony Ferguson in this match. Another defeat could significantly jeopardize his future in the sport. White indicated that if things do not go Tony’s way, he would support Ferguson’s decision to retire from MMA competition. “I would let Tony make that decision, but I’m sure if he loses Paddy…that would probably be a wrap for him. Hopefully,” White said.

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