Merab Dvalishvili took jabs at Petr Yan on social media after the two sparred for the next megafight on March 11 and things got heated.
Despite having a history that dates back to the Russian’s title fights against ‘The Machine’s’ training partner Aljamain Sterling, the two have maintained a level of amity throughout the years. The 135ers’ friendship has worsened more recently, and on Saturday, they will have the chance to mend fences. In a message addressed to Yan, Dvalishvili didn’t hold back and attacked his bantamweight rival, claiming that Yan “can’t communicate man to man” with him.
“Since we did not hold a news conference, I first asked Petr Yan if he would chat with a journalist, and he agreed. He refused me this time when I went up to him at the hotel because he knows he can’t have a face-to-face conversation with me. Then I insulted myself by saying I only wanted to advance my career. He acted unprofessionally throughout the face-off, refusing to engage me man-to-man and sneakily throwing his arm at me. Awaiting you in the octagon “After the two’s antics, what was already a fantastic contest has grown much more exciting. Less than 24 hours remain before the eagerly anticipated fight between two top UFC contenders.
Petr Yan vs. Merab Dvalishvili: Will the winner be given a title shot?
The bantamweight division is in an odd state despite having the #2 and #3 rankings, therefore the title eliminator between Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili might not have a clear champion in it.
Sean O’Malley, ranked #1, is left in a state of uncertainty without any clear future as Aljamain Sterling is expected to be defending his title against Henry Cejudo later this year. Marlon Vera and Cory Sandhagen are scheduled to fight soon, rounding up the top five at 135 along with those previously stated.
Although the next contender for the bantamweight title hasn’t been chosen yet, Yan and Dvalishvili might fall behind a few opponents in the standings.