Merab Dvalishvili is focused on defending his bantamweight title and breaking records before considering a move to featherweight, despite increasing calls for him to change divisions.
If Merab Dvalishvili wins at UFC 323, he’ll notch a fourth title defense by 2025. He’s nearly wiped out the bantamweight division. But, is featherweight next?
After beating Cory Sandhagen, Dvalishvili downplayed moving to 145 pounds. Yet, his coach John Wood admits the chatter is growing. He’s beaten four of the top five bantamweights, with two wins over Sean O’Malley. Now, he aims for a second victory over Petr Yan on Dec. 6.
Wood thinks Dvalishvili should take a “victory lap” at 135 pounds first. He wants Merab to be the greatest bantamweight ever. “I don’t think we’re going to see another one of him for a while,” Wood said.
Weight cutting is a pain, but it won’t get easier at 145. Still, superfights could be on the horizon. But there’s no rush.
A move to featherweight would also mean facing his friend Aljamain Sterling. For now, there are enough challenges at bantamweight to keep Dvalishvili motivated.
That doesn’t mean a move up is off the table forever. “In two or three more fights, we might start having those conversations,” Wood said. It could happen if the right offer comes along.
Wood believes Dvalishvili will break records before considering a weight class change. “Easy three or four more fights at bantamweight,” Wood added. Then, maybe, test the waters at 145.
First, Dvalishvili needs to defeat Yan again. Wood is confident, expecting an even better performance this time. “I don’t see a world where Merab doesn’t win it,” he said.
Yan is a formidable opponent, but Wood believes Dvalishvili has improved. “This Merab finishes that Petr Yan in multiple ways,” he concluded.