Merab Dvalishvili revisits not being happy with Joe Rogan during a post-fight octagon interview: "Please don't ask me this question"

Merab Dvalishvili recently shed light on not being happy with Joe Rogan’s post-fight octagon questions regarding a potential fight with longtime friend and training partner Aljamain Sterling. The pair dominated the bantamweight division landscape, with Sterling as the reigning champion between March 2021 and May 2023. However, they refused to jeopardize their friendship and dismissed the possibility of a potential clash multiple times.

Dvalishvili spoke about Rogan's question about a fight with Sterling during a recent podcast episode of Verse Us with Eric Nicksick. He had just defeated Jose Aldo at UFC 278 and faced persistent inquiries about facing Sterling. Dvalishvili firmly reiterated that Sterling made him realize his true potential and asserted that he wouldn’t be the fighter he is today without the influence of the former UFC bantamweight champion.

Speaking about Rogan's question, Dvalishvili said:

"I said don't ask me this question [about fighting Sterling] during press conference or media day. I was like I have to win first [against Aldo] and Aljo already has a fight... And when Joe Rogan asked me again and Aljo is there,' Hey are you going to fight Aljo?' And like I said, 'Please don't ask me this question anymore.'"

Check out Merab Dvalishvili's comments below (42:20):

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Sean O'Malley previews the upcoming Merab Dvalishvili vs. Umar Nurmagomedov clash

Sean O’Malley is eyeing a title shot in mid-2025, with a preference for a rematch against Merab Dvalishvili. O’Malley, who lost his bantamweight title to Dvalishvili at UFC 306, hopes Dvalishvili defeats Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 311. However, he remains open to fighting Nurmagomedov if the undefeated Dagestani secures the belt on Jan. 18.

O’Malley has been vocal about his eagerness for a rematch with Dvalishvili. However, despite the Georgian’s interest in the matchup, the UFC chose to pair him with Nurmagomedov instead.

Previewing the fight at a pre-fight press conference ahead of RIZIN 49, O'Malley said:

"Ideally, Merab beats Umar and I get the rematch. But if Umar wins, it’ll be Umar. That’s what I want next is a title fight. Hopefully mid-next year. So the winner of that one. That fight’s coming up very, very soon.”

Check out Sean O'Malley's comments below: