Bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili has stated he has no plans to move up to the featherweight division to seek a second championship belt.
Dvalishvili, the current bantamweight titleholder, is on an impressive 12-fight winning streak and is set to defend his championship in a rematch against Sean O’Malley at UFC 316. He has frequently mentioned that managing his weight cut is often more challenging than the actual fight, or dealing with numerous pre-fight injuries.
Typically, a champion as dominant as Dvalishvili might consider moving up a weight class to contend for another title. However, Dvalishvili himself confessed that challenging the esteemed featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski, is a step he`s unwilling to take.
Dvalishvili`s Candid Reason for Avoiding Volkanovski Bout
With his upcoming bantamweight title defense against Sean O’Malley just days away, Merab Dvalishvili is widely favored to secure a straightforward victory. He decisively won their previous encounter, a result disputed by O`Malley, and is anticipated to perform similarly in the rematch.
During a promotional appearance on Fox Sports Australia, Dvalishvili was interviewed by none other than Alexander Volkanovski. Addressing Volkanovski directly, Merab stated:
I`ve said it a few times, I don`t want to fight you because you are much stronger than me. I don`t want to take a big risk; I`m content here. Although this weight cut is tough, I`d rather push myself to make this weight and stay comfortable in this division. I`m fine, I don`t want to [fight Volkanovski]. We can just cook peacefully together and wish each other well.
Volkanovski found the comment amusing, interpreting it as lighthearted, and responded:
I appreciate that, and the respect is mutual. You`re a legend yourself, and I look forward to seeing you fight. Good luck this weekend.
Alexander Volkanovski Discusses His Uncertain Featherweight Title Future
Following his demanding victory over Diego Lopes at UFC 314, Alexander Volkanovski`s path forward in the featherweight division appears uncertain. While it seems likely he may defend his title against Yair Rodriguez, whom he previously defeated via knockout in 2023, nothing is finalized.
Volkanovski has expressed interest in facing the undefeated Movsar Evloev, but suggested the UFC might require Evloev to compete in another bout before earning a title opportunity. Speaking to Fox Sports, Volkanovski elaborated:
It`s quite clear that it wasn`t going to be Movsar [next]. I expected it might be him because he`s undefeated. I believe they`ve scheduled him for another fight. He`s even tweeted about it, making it public that he unfortunately won`t be fighting for the title yet. Yair`s name has emerged, but no dates are confirmed at the moment. I think there are many factors at play across all divisions right now. There`s a lot happening, and we`ll see what develops. The rumors you`re hearing are mostly accurate, but nothing is set in stone.
