UFC Bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili has openly stated he is not interested in moving up to the featherweight division with the goal of capturing a second championship belt.
Dvalishvili is currently enjoying a dominant 12-fight winning streak in his bantamweight campaign and is preparing for a rematch against Sean O`Malley scheduled for UFC 316. The fighter has often commented that the process of cutting weight for fights is more difficult than the actual competition itself.
Typically, champions who establish such dominance in their division look to move up in weight class to challenge for another title. However, Dvalishvili confessed that the prospect of facing the highly regarded Alexander Volkanovski in the featherweight division feels like too significant a challenge for his aspirations of achieving multi-divisional glory.
Merab Dvalishvili`s Hesitation to Fight Alexander Volkanovski
Just days before his upcoming bantamweight title defense against Sean O`Malley, where he is considered a strong favorite, Merab Dvalishvili addressed the possibility of moving up in weight.
During a promotional appearance on Fox Sports Australia, Dvalishvili was interviewed by none other than Alexander Volkanovski himself. He directly told the Australian champion, “I mentioned a couple of times I don’t want to fight you because you are way stronger than me.”
He elaborated on his stance, stating, “I don’t want to take a big risk, I’m good. Even though this weight cut sucks I’d rather kill myself to make this weight and be comfortable here. I’m good, I don’t want to [fight Volkanovski]. Then we can cook peacefully and wish each other the best.”
Volkanovski reportedly responded with laughter to Dvalishvili`s somewhat lighthearted remark, expressing mutual respect and wishing him well in his upcoming bout.
Alexander Volkanovski`s Uncertain Featherweight Title Picture
The future opponent for Alexander Volkanovski`s featherweight title defense appears to be in question following his recent victory at UFC 314. It seems likely he may face Yair Rodriguez again, despite having already convincingly defeated and knocked out Rodriguez in 2023.
Volkanovski himself expressed interest in fighting the undefeated Movsar Evloev, but suggested that the UFC is likely planning another fight for Evloev before granting him a title shot. Speaking to Fox Sports, Volkanovski explained, “It’s pretty clear that it wasn’t going to be Movsar.”
He continued, “I thought it would be him because he’s undefeated. I think they’ve matched him up… so he’s already gone out and made it public that he unfortunately can’t fight for the title.” Regarding Rodriguez, Volkanovski added, “Yair’s name has popped up, but no dates are set right now. I think it’s just a lot of moving parts through all of the divisions… The rumors you’re all hearing are pretty much true, but nothing is locked in.”
Jack Thornley