Merab Dvalishvili, the top-ranked bantamweight contender, will serve as the backup for the UFC 299 main event title fight between Sean O’Malley and Marlon “Chito” Vera.
Merab Dvalishvili’s got his eyes on the prize. He’s itching for a title shot, but for now, he’s settling for the backup role at UFC 299.
He’s the top dog in the bantamweight division, having earned his shot at the title with a victory over Henry Cejudo at UFC 298. Come Wednesday, he’s off to Miami. Friday? He’ll be on the scale, ready to step in for the title fight between Sean O’Malley and Marlon “Chito” Vera if needed.
His manager, Oren Hodak of KO Reps, spilled the beans on Tuesday. He confirmed Dvalishvili’s backup status to MMA Fighting.
The UFC’s got a habit of keeping a backup handy for big fights. You know, just in case things go south. Dvalishvili’s already slated to take on the winner later this year. Being a Georgian native, he’s excited to get a sneak peek at his potential rivals during the UFC 299 fight week.
Dvalishvili’s on fire, with a 10-fight winning streak in his division. Some folks reckon he should be the one in the main event. But O’Malley’s getting a shot at redemption, looking to avenge his only UFC loss. Vera, the guy who bested O’Malley back in 2020, is hoping for a repeat performance in Saturday’s title fight.
Part of Dvalishvili’s gig? He’ll weigh in on Friday with the main event fighters. He’s got to hit the championship weight of 135 pounds, just in case he’s called up.
Saturday’s main event? It’s a five-round face-off between O’Malley and Vera. The bantamweight title bout is the star of the show at UFC 299, taking place at the Kaseya Center in Miami.