“Coming for ya” – Backup fighter Merab Dvalishvili sends stern message to Sean O’Malley and Marlon Vera

UFC bantamweight contender Merab Dvalishvili will be the backup fighter for UFC 299 title fight between Sean O'Malley and Marlon 'Chito' Vera.

“Coming for ya” – Backup fighter Merab Dvalishvili sends stern message to Sean O’Malley and Marlon Vera

Merab Dvalishvili as backup fighter for Sean O'Malley vs Marlon 'Chito' Vera ( Image via Imago )

Merab Dvalishvili has sent a message to the title contenders at UFC 299. The Georgian bantamweight fighter will be the backup for Sean O’Malley and Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera. Here is what happened:

UFC bantamweight contender Merab Dvalishvili will reportedly be the backup fighter for the title fight between Sean O’Malley and Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera. Dvalishvili is coming from a recent win against former two-division champion Henry Cejudo. Dvalishvili took to X to make his announcement, where he uploaded a picture of him at the airport with the caption: 

Coming for ya
Merab Dvalishvili via X

A bantamweight title bout headlines UFC 299 PPV card in Miami. Sean O’Malley and Chito Vera compete again after their first clash in 2020. The UFC always has backup fighters for main-event fights. Hence, Merab Dvalishvili receives the latest honors to become the backup for a title fight. Merab could easily insert himself into the title picture if anyone pulls out.

On the other hand, Merab Dvalishvili recently defeated Henry Cejudo in a three-round fight. They fought on the main card of UFC 298. Dvalishvili kept Cejudo on his toes throughout the fight. The judges scored the bout 29-28 in Dvalishvili’s favor. It resulted in his ninth straight win in the bantamweight division. Dvalishvili looks primed for the next title shot, and even champion O’Malley expressed interest in fighting him.

Merab Dvalishvili’s incredible winning UFC streak

Merab Dvalishvili has a Sambo and Judo background. His fighting style has remained dominant throughout his UFC career. He stayed away from the title picture as his best friend Aljamain Sterling reigned as a champion. Merab vs. Sterling was a dream fight for fans, but the Georgian fighter refused to fight Aljo multiple times.

Merab Dvalishvili
Merab Dvalishvili (Image via IMAGO)

Dvalishvili’s early career began in 2014 when he fought under various promotions, including the Ring of Combat. He made his UFC debut in December 2017 against Frankie Saenz. He lost the fight via decision and lost to Ricky Simon via submission. Since then, no one has yet to defeat him. Dvalishvili has ten consecutive wins, with nine straight in the bantamweight division

The Georgian has fought and beaten top contenders like Jose Aldo, Petr Yan, and Henry Cejudo. As a backup fighter for the bantamweight title fight at UFC 299 and on the way to his title shot, it will be interesting to see if Merab Dvalishvili can maintain his winning streak.

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