Merab Dvalishvili shoots down August 19 date for Henry Cejudo fight, shares new possible timeline after having hand surgery

Merab Dvalishvili provided an update on his health after undergoing hand surgery and revealed a possible timeline for when fans can see him fight Henry Cejudo.

While speaking to The Schmo, Dvalishvili was sporting a cast on his right hand and noted that he is currently recovering from his recent surgery. He mentioned that he won't be able to punch for another three months, so a bout with Cejudo on August 19 is unlikely.

He said:

"I needed surgery. I did last Tuesday and now I'm recovering. I will be able to punch in three months and I will be able to train again [in] 6 weeks...I won't be able to fight because I need the training and I need to get ready...I don't think I'll be ready for August, but maybe we'll see other time." [1:29 - 2:07]

'The Machine' then brought up that he would still be open to fighting 'Triple C' before the end of the year. He mentioned that if Aljamain Sterling retains the title against Sean O'Malley and moves up to featherweight, he could even be fighting Cejudo for the vacant bantamweight championship.

"If Aljo moves up, you know. And yeah, I will fight whoever. If Henry wants to fight me for the title or whoever will be the next contender, I would love to...I'm always ready for any fight and when I'm healthy, I'm ready." [3:39 - 3:55]

It will be interesting to see whether Cejudo waits for Dvalishvili to recover or if he accepts another fight instead to remain active.

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Merab Dvalishvili shares his thoughts on Aljamain Sterling's quick turnaround

Merab Dvalishvili weighed in on Aljamain Sterling's quick turnaround after successfully retaining his bantamweight championship against Henry Cejudo at UFC 288.

During the aforementioned interview, 'The Machine' shared his thoughts on Sterling essentially being rushed into another title defense after his fight with Cejudo went the distance. He mentioned that 'Funk Master' should be allowed to enjoy his title reign and have a few months off, saying:

"I don't know, like he's [Sterling] champion. Let him relax couple of months. Let him enjoy his time." [5:48 - 5:57]