Merab Dvalishvili of the UFC on his record-breaking winning streak and his readiness to face champion Sean O’Malley: “It’s Not Extra Pressure”

Merab Dvalishvili is the next big thing in the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s (UFC) bantamweight division. He is planning to challenge the current champion, Sean O’Malley for the championship. His ascent to the top was not an easy one, and his superiority in striking and wrestling may give him an advantage over the other in a match.

Merab, who is now ranked first among competitors, recently defeated Henry Cejudo, the former bantamweight and flyweight champion, by decision at UFC 298. In addition to being the new record holder for the longest win streak in the UFC bantamweight division, his victory against the Olympic gold medalist was his eleventh straight win.

It is still unknown when the champion and the top contender will square off in the octagon, despite their acknowledgement that they will do so. Merab, however, is focused on the prize and won’t give up at the last obstacle.

The Georgian fighter’s road has not been simple. He came to the US at the age of 21 in order to pursue an MMA career. Two illustrious figures in the mixed martial arts world, former UFC Welterweight Champion Matt Sera and top instructor Ray Longo, provided him with encouragement.

Merab said that the two’s encouragement allowed him to become the UFC competitor that he is today.

“Moving to a new country—especially a large one like America—was difficult. I have nobody to call pals. Since I was a stranger at the time, I had to start from scratch. It was very challenging. The gym was not easy to locate. Naturally, however, Matt Sera and Ray Longo assisted me with just training; you know, I found this squad, and everyone was kind, and I was receiving quality work and training in the gym. And I was able to fight as a result of this training. And I’m UFC now,” Merab said at a Sony Sports media conference.

The Georgian has defeated some of the greatest names in the category while advancing up the rankings. Merab is proud of the victories he had against Hall of Famer Jose Aldo, former champion Petr Yan, and Henry Cejudo, as was previously noted.

Fighting these legends like Petr Yan, Jose Aldo, and Henry Cejudo is like a dream come true, dude. Winning these bouts will mean a lot to me, my team, and my nation. Man, everything is possible. I’m working hard, and effort is rewarded. Merab said, “I’m just thankful to be where I am now and then continue my journey,” in response to a query about facing up against the division’s renowned players.

His sights are now fixed on the victor and his belt. Merab may not be favored according to the rule of averages, but his winning run doesn’t stop the Georgian from participating since he is sure of his abilities to defeat the current champion.

“I’ve won 10 straight fights, but I’m not concerned about my winning streak. You know, all I have on my mind is winning my next bout. There isn’t more pressure. I have to face Sean O’Malley, and I have to give it my all to win. And I think I’m going to defeat him. Indeed, he is a skilled attacker and a fantastic champion, but I can defeat him,” Merab said.

If Merab prevails, he will follow in the footsteps of his fellow Georgian, Ilia Topuria, who defeated Alexander Volkanovski to win the UFC featherweight championship. This would make Merab the second UFC champion and give Georgia two more well-known athletes to represent the state.