I don’t get what the problem is” – Despite Dana White ‘friendship’ bashing comments, Merab Dvalishvili and Aljamain Sterling unite to deliver strong message

Aljamain Sterling and Merab Dvalishvili continue to put their friendship above everything else despite potentially facing the wrath of Dana White.

I don’t get what the problem is” – Despite Dana White ‘friendship’ bashing comments, Merab Dvalishvili and Aljamain Sterling unite to deliver strong message

Merab Dvalishvili (Image via Imago)

Aljamain Sterling and Merab Dvalishvili are the top contenders in the bantamweight division. Sterling is ranked #1 and is the former champion. Dvalishvili is on a nine-fight win streak. Dvalishvili occupies the second rank in the division spearheaded by Sean O’Malley. Sterling and Dvalishvili have publicly vowed never to fight each other. Their stance does go along with the UFC. Dana White did not like Merab refusing to fight Aljo and criticized him.

Dvalishvili went on X (formerly Twitter) to address the criticism. He wrote, “I don’t get what the problem is. There is no question of who should fight for title now – It’s Aljo or me.” Sterling commented on the post, saying, ” Everyone making this so complicated Either way, I am with you brother. This exchange on X remains evidence enough for their everlasting friendship and brotherhood.

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Sterling lost the title to Sean O’Malley in his recent bout at UFC 292. O’Malley knocked out “The Funkmaster” in the second round. Before that, he was on a nine-fight win streak, including wins against former UFC champions. He defeated Petr Yan, T.J. Dillashaw, and Henry Cejudo in his three title defenses.

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The 32-year-old Merab Dvalishvili also defeated former UFC champions Petr Yan and Jose Aldo in his last two outings. His victory over Yan became the highlight performance of his careeer. Dvalishvili is known to have the best cardio in the division. Both are vying for a title shot against Sean O’Malley.

Related: “Don’t think he gives a sh*t,” Dana White reacts to putting Jon Jones and ‘sh*t-talking’ Colby Covington on same card

Should Aljamain Sterling and Merab Dvalishvili fight each other?

Merab Dvalishvili and Aljamain Sterling
From left to Right- Aljamain Sterling, Merab Dvalishvili, Ray Longo and Matt Sera (Image via Imago)

The number one and number two ranked fighters have vowed not to fight each other. By doing so, they are robbing the fans of a grappling spectacle. Aljamain Sterling’s jiu-jitsu grappling facing off against Merab Dvalishvili’s grinding wrestling would be a sight to behold.

It is easy to see why Dana White remains adamant about them fighting each other. If a fight does happen, which it will not, it can generate significant traction among the fans. Both fighters see themselves as brothers. Sterling is from a poor household in Jamaica, and Dvalishvili comes from the mountains of Georgia. The brotherhood beyond borders concept is immortalized by the two.

However, UFC is an organization where you come to prove who is the best fighter in the world. Furthermore, top-ranked fighters not fighting each other holds up the division, resulting in undeserved fighters getting a title shot over them.

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