WATCH: Merab Dvalishvili SNATCHES UFC 298 rival Henry Cejudo’s coach after controversial firing on camera

Merab Dvalishvili, the funny-man of bantamweight weight class, goes on a recruiting spree for his rival's former coach.

WATCH: Merab Dvalishvili SNATCHES UFC 298 rival Henry Cejudo’s coach after controversial firing on camera

Henry Cejudo's split with Eric Albarracin opens up some opportunistic doors for the rival (Source: IMAGO/Twitter/UFC.go.com)

Fighter Merab Dvalishvili was quick to make a move on Eric Albarracin after Henry Cejudo decided to release him. Albeit even if jokingly. Standing at 16-3 MMA, 10-3 UFC, Cejudo goes on to face Dvalishvili at UFC 298, on Saturday in Anaheim, Calif. Known for his joking demeanor, Merab Dvalishvili and Albarracin have maintained an amicable association, even in the lead-up to this bantamweight clash. But Albarracin has always been stern on letting off his playbook on ‘Triple C’ even amidst jokes and banters.

Now, Dvalishvili’s funny advances to recruit him come in light of UFC’s “Countdown” preview show. Ahead of his return, Cejudo parted ways with his longtime coach on live coverage. Now, adjacent footage along with it shows Dvalishvili trying his luck once more. Dvalishvili, who has published many hilarious sketches, tried to entice an approaching Albarracin, who could only laugh. He says – 

We have Henry Cejudo’s coach with us and now he’s going to teach us how to beat Henry Cejudo! We have a new coach...Henry, goodbye! Goodbye, Henry...he's my coach now...I love my coach.
Merab Dvalishvili via Instagram
YouTube video

Albarracin and Cejudo worked together before Cejudo began his pro-MMA run. The former two-time UFC champion will be looking to bounce back from a close title loss to Aljamain Sterling at UFC 288. Concurrently, he has hinted at a possible retirement if he falls short against Dvalishvili, come this weekend.

FS Video

Meanwhile, Dvalishvili is on a 9 fight win streak. Merab Dvalishvili, who last defeated Petr Yan by unanimous decision last March, is confident that winning will get him a shot at the title gold. On the other end of the spectrum, Cejudo is pondering if his UFC 298 return could be his last.

Henry Cejudo parts ways with his coach during UFC 298 “Countdown”

Another blockbuster is upon fight fans. So is UFC 298 ‘Countdown’ that chronicles the bantamweight affair between Merab Dvalishvili and returning Henry Cejudo.

The segment takes a special look at the former flyweight and bantamweight champ in his pivotal rebound effort. And additionally at the 135lber Dvalishvili (16-3 MMA, 10-3 UFC) who aspires at the title shot next.

Fight fans reacted to Henry Cejudo dismissing Eric Albarracin
Fight fans reacted to Henry Cejudo dismissing Eric Albarracin (via BVM Sports)

During the UFC’s “Countdown” preview show, Cejudo is also seen calling upon his coach Eric Albarracin. He tells him that he’s downsizing his camp considerably; including very specific coaches, along with him. The only justifiable explanation he utters is that he wants to cut off personal dynamics to minimize any pitfall at UFC 298. He says:

You were with me for my last Olympic trials, and you’ve been there for me, but as of right now, I just want to let you know that for this camp, dude, I’m getting rid of specific coaches – and that’s you included.
Henry Cejudo during UFC Countdown

UFC 298 (pay-per-view, ESPN, ESPN+) takes place Saturday at Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif. “Countdown” and other such footage releases gist the fighters and their journey, along with such surprising moments ahead of their slated clash at UFC 298, come this Saturday.

In case you missed it: