OPINION: How Can Merab Dvalishvili Earn Another Title Shot After UFC 333 Loss?
This past weekend, at UFC 333, Merab Dvalishvili failed to reclaim the bantamweight title, losing to Petr Yan by unanimous decision in their trilogy bout.
However, the performance was nothing short of spectacular and could certainly be a Fight of the Year contender. Dana White also backed Dvalishvili after the loss, saying he had nothing to be disappointed about and could not have fought any better.
Now, the question is what “The Machine” needs to do to earn another title shot. At 35, Dvalishvili still has plenty left in the tank, as his recent performances have shown.
Let’s find out what’s next for the Georgian Machine.
Merab Dvalishvili vs. Song Yadong
Merab Dvalishvili is interested in facing Song Yadong, who knocked out Umar Nurmagomedov in the second round at UFC Shanghai.
Dominantly beating the No. 2-ranked contender could be enough for Dvalishvili to earn another title shot.
However, Yadong could get the next title opportunity, in which case Dvalishvili may need to consider a few backup options.
Merab Dvalishvili vs. Umar Nurmagomedov 2
Merab Dvalishvili has already beaten Umar Nurmagomedov once. Last year at UFC 311, when “The Machine” was the reigning bantamweight champion, he defeated Umar by unanimous decision to register his first successful title defense.
However, Umar broke his hand during the bout, which he says limited his ability to perform at his best.
Umar has called out Dvalishvili for a rematch on several occasions, but the Georgian has turned down the challenge. However, with both fighters coming off losses and having put their differences aside, a rematch could make sense. The winner could potentially put himself back in the title picture.
Merab Dvalishvili vs. Sean O’Malley 3
Merab Dvalishvili has already beaten Sean O’Malley twice. However, “Suga” has since bounced back with two big wins over Song Yadong and Aiemann Zahabi.
If O’Malley gets the next title shot and dethrones current and two-time bantamweight champion Petr Yan, Dvalishvili could wait for that matchup to play out before pursuing a trilogy fight with “Suga.”
An O’Malley win over Yan in a rematch could potentially give “The Machine” a direct route back to the title.
Merab Dvalishvili vs. Mario Bautista
This would also be an intriguing matchup. Mario Bautista is someone Dvalishvili has never faced before. The 33-year-old is currently the No. 4-ranked bantamweight contender, is riding a two-fight win streak, and has won 10 of his last 11 UFC bouts.
Beating a contender like Bautista could potentially earn Dvalishvili another title shot.
Merab Dvalishvili likely needs to make a statement in his next fight – Either a finish or a dominant performance over five/three rounds, rather than settling for a closely contested decision victory.
The UFC brass love him, will always appreciate an active champion like him, and would not hesitate to give him a title shot if he shines in his next outing.