Seeking to land one other record-breaking feat, Merab Dvalishvili still has another fight in him before the tip of the 12 months.
Set to take headlining honors on the ultimate pay-per-view card of the 12 months, bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili will take predominant event status at UFC 323 in December.
And fresh from his dominant title defense win over Cory Sandhagen, the Georgian star is about to fight just 63 days after his latest resounding win.
Nevertheless, in what got here as news to him, Dvalishvili shared his shock response to learn he can be headlining the flagship event.
- LATEST NEWS — Merab Dvalishvili gets his wish as Dana White confirms title fight double header for UFC 323
Merab Dvalishvili surprised by UFC 323 title fight announcement
Rematching a former champion in his return, Tbilisi grappling ace Dvalishvili will rekindle his rivalry with Russian star Petr Yan, having turned in a roughshod decision win over the striker back in 2023.
And appearing during a live interview with Ariel Helwani this evening, Dvalishvili was informed he was announced to headline UFC 323 by promotional CEO, Dana White — much to his surprise.
“I didn’t know this news — I had no idea, I promise,” Dvalishvili said, after celebrating his status as event headliner. “They [the UFC] never guarantee that you simply [will fight this opponent].
Attempting to separate himself from the likes of fellow UFC 320 victor Alex Pereira, in addition to former heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic, will look to turn out to be the primary fighter in promotional history to successfully defend his title 4 times in a single 12 months.
Merab Dvalishvili plans one other quick turnaround
Now booked to fight for the second time in only over two months’ time, Dvalishvili will not be planning on slowing down any time soon, nevertheless.
In line with the bantamweight kingpin, he has already identified a possible return to motion as soon as March, just 12 weeks after his fight with Yan at the tip of this 12 months.
“I’m willing to fight also in March,” Dvalishvili explained. “February shall be in Australia, I don’t think they’re gonna give me this. I feel March can be realistic.
“…I’m not afraid to lose something, I’m a fighter. “I do know I’m not gonna win all of those fights, but listen, I like this, and like I said, when I actually have a fight, I’m more focused. I live a more healthy (sic) lifestyle and I wanna just keep improving.”