"Small but proud nation" - Merab Dvalishvili's countrymen erupt in jubilation in Tblisi after 'The Machine's' crowning glory at Noche UFC 306

Merab Dvalishvili had the entire nation of Georgia in celebrations following his bantamweight title victory over Sean O'Malley at Noche UFC 306. The pair faced off in the main event, with 'The Machine' securing the title, beating his fourth consecutive current or former UFC champion.

The relentless wrestling and pressure of the Georgian proved too much for 'Sugar' to handle. The 29-year-old, who is regarded as one of the best strikers in MMA, visibly struggled to get his rhythm going and could not land strikes with his usual ease.

Dvalishvili, however, was in top form and secured a dominant unanimous decision victory. The exact moment he was crowned champion was captured from the streets of Tblisi, the nation's capital city, where over 10,000 people were gathered at roughly 7 AM to watch 'The Machine'.

Footage from Tblisi was uploaded to X by @iHeartGeorgius1, who wrote this:

"This is how Georgian fans celebrated Merab Dvalishvili's championship victory over Sean O'Malley in the streets of Tblisi, Georgia."

Watch the video below:

Georgian fans online reacted to the footage with boundless joy, with @csabaabba writing this:

"It's incredible how Georgian MMA and Football in growing. Small but proud nation."

See the fan reactions below:

Screenshot of fan reactions to Dvalishvili being celebrated in Georgia after winning UFC title

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Merab Dvalishvili buries hatchet with Sean O'Malley following Noche UFC 306

Merab Dvalishvili and Sean O'Malley clashed for the bantamweight title on Sept. 14 in the main event of Noche UFC 306.

The fight was coated with plenty of tension, with both O'Malley and his coach Tim Welch getting under the skin of 'The Machine' during the build-up.

The 29-year old previously took aim at Dvalishvili's country of Georgia. The Tblisi-born fighter did not take kindly to O'Malley's post, and vowed to take revenge on him.

But after defeating the American convincingly at Noche UFC 306, he extended an olive branch in the direction of 'Sugar' during his post-fight press conference. He said:

"Nothing but respect to him. I forgive him for everything, whatever he said to me, to my friend [Aljamain Sterling] and to my country. He's a fighter, he's a hard working guy. Today was my day, I made him normal. He's okay, I'm sure he will come back stronger and he will get better."

Watch Merab Dvalishvili's interview below (12:20):