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Merab Dvalishvili has just defeated Umar Nurmagomedov in the UFC 311 co-main event, successfully defending his bantamweight title for the very first time. It was an excellent performance in one of the highest-level fights in the division's history, and with it, Dvalishvili silenced his detractors.
Many believed that Nurmagomedov was primed to defeat the Georgian star, but the champion's pace and cardio proved too great. Short of an opponent knocking him out or catching him in a submission, he will be nearly impossible to beat over the course of five rounds.
That, though, does not mean Dvalishviili is short on challengers. So, who could he fight next?
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#5. Merab Dvalishvili vs. Patricio 'Pitbull' Freire
While a matchup between Merab Dvalishvili and Patricio 'Pitbull' Freire is unlikely, it isn't impossible. First, there is almost no bantamweight the Georgian star can defend his title against that he hasn't already beaten. Second, Freire is a big name in the sport and is an all-time great Bellator fighter.
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He was recently granted his release from the PFL, and there's no reason the UFC can't scoop him up like they did with Michael Chandler. 'Pitbull's' frame is perfect for bantamweight, and he is far more likely to earn a crack at the belt at 135 pounds than at 145 pounds where more favorable contenders exist.
It would be a massive fight and a very winnable matchup for Dvalishvili, who deserves an easier bout against a slow-paced foe after accepting a short turnaround against Umar Nurmagomedov while injured. All 'Pitbull' would need to do is win his UFC debut.
#4. Merab Dvalishvili vs. Alexandre Pantoja
This matchup has more to do with Alexandre Pantoja's current predicament. Flyweight is devoid of contenders for the Brazilian champion, such that they had to bring in a fighter from Rizin for his latest title defense. With Manel Kape still in need of another win or two, why not reward Pantoja's hard work?
He can be presented with a chance to capture a second belt in a different division. For Merab Dvalishvili, it is an opportunity to bolster his legacy by scoring a win over another UFC champion. It would be a difficult matchup for Pantoja, who is known for gassing out but maintaining a strong will to succeed.
Dvalishvili is just about the worst fighter for anyone to tire against, so it could be close to a guaranteed win for the Georgian. However, a win for Pantoja would solidify him as a star, and it wouldn't be the first time a flyweight champion found success at 135 pounds.
#3. Merab Dvalishvili vs. Song Yadong
Song Yadong is a potential opponent for Merab Dvalishvili, but only if he fulfills a specific condition. The Chinese bantamweight star is currently scheduled to take on former two-division UFC champion Henry Cejudo at UFC Fight Night 252 on Feb. 22. A win would serve him well.
First, it would be a rebound from his unanimous decision loss to Petr Yan. Second, it would be a win over a high-profile opponent and future UFC Hall of Famer. As Song would be a fresh face for Dvalishvili, even just one win since his last defeat could be enough to justify a title shot in a division the Georgian has eradicated.
However, Song must defeat Cejudo to secure his crack at bantamweight gold. Until then, Dvalishvili can take some time away to rest and recover after fighting twice in a relatively short period.
#2. Merab Dvalishvili vs. Petr Yan 2
There is no option more sensible for Merab Dvalishvili at this moment than Petr Yan. From a meritocratic standpoint, 'No Mercy' is the most deserving fighter at bantamweight, having authored a two-fight win streak since first losing to his Georgian rival. Moreover, there is history between the pair.
"LFG @PetrYanUFC - March 8th #UFC313 T Mobile, Las Vegas"
Their first encounter was defined by trash talk, with Yan overlooking Dvalishvili and buying into his perceivevd superiority. Their bout, though, was a rude awakening for him, as he was handed a crushing loss. Now, he is chasing revenge, and it is an easy narrative to sell the fans on.
More importantly, both Dvalishvili and Yan are interested in a rematch. When 'The Machine' was dismissive of Umar Nurmagomedov prior to their UFC 311 booking, he called out Yan for a second clash, which 'No Mercy' was more than eager for. So, if anyone should be Dvalishvili's next opponent, it's Yan.
#1. Merab Dvalishvili vs. Sean O'Malley 2
The truth of the matter is that Sean O'Malley will almost certainly face Merab Dvalishvili next. 'Sugar' lost his bantamweight title to 'The Machine' at Noche UFC 306 and has been campaigning for a rematch ever since. Then there are UFC CEO Dana White's thoughts on the next bantamweight title fight.
"Yeah, I think he's [Sean O'Malley] gonna be watching this fight closely and could possibly fight the winner."
Check out Dana White implying that Sean O'Malley could fight Merab Dvalishvili next (2:37:14):
Ahead of UFC 311, White revealed that O'Malley would be in attendance and that he may very well fight the winner of the co-main event. Given the UFC's level of investment in O'Malley, it should come as no surprise that they are eager to steer him back into championship heights.
O'Malley is what the promotion envisions as its next great star for the next half-a-decade, so he will more than likely be Dvalishvili's next title challenger. After all, it's been essentially confirmed.
