UFC cutman reacts to "rare" bond between Merab Dvalishvili and Aljamain Sterling despite being top fighters in the same division

Merab Dvalishvili defended his bantamweight strap for the first time at UFC 311 against top contender Umar Nurmagomedov. Dvalishvili won by unanimous decision after an action-filled five-rounder.

Aljamain Sterling cornered 'The Machine' during his first title defense. Following the fight, a shot of the Georgian holding his gold strap while being interviewed went viral, with Sterling in the background, happy for his friend. A UFC cutman reacted to the "rare" bond that Dvalishvili and the American share.

'Funk Master' and 'The Machine' have been friends for a long time. They are members of the same team and also train at the same club. Sterling, a former bantamweight king, lost his strap to Sean O'Malley in 2023. Meanwhile, Dvalishvili, who also competes in the same division, was the one to dethrone O’Malley in 2024.

During 'Funk Master's title reign, although 'The Machine' was the No. 1 contender, he refused to fight Sterling out of friendship and mutual respect.

ESPN MMA on Instagram shared a contrasted collage and a video depicting the American and Georgian's friendship, and how they have always supported each other, playing different roles at different points in their careers.

Post UFC 311, Dvalishvili also claimed that Sterling is the greatest bantamweight of all time.

Check out the original post below featuring Merab Dvalishvili and Aljamain Sterling:

Professional UFC cutman Brad Tate chimed in and praised the two bantamweight combatants' lasting friendship. Tate wrote:

"This is the type of friendship we all need. Where your friends celebrate your success with you and not get jealous of you. #rare"

Brad Tate's comment (courtesy of @espnmma's post on Instagram)

---

Merab Dvalishvili hints at a rematch with Sean O'Malley

Merab Dvalishvili, after defeating Umar Nurmagomedov, revealed to the press that there could be a potential rematch with Sean O'Malley:

"I think also O’Malley, he was complaining about something and he really has a chance. We know he can really knock people out if he lands on you, he has a big chance. I see him as a challenge, too. Maybe he will make some changes this time and maybe we go toe-to-toe this time and it’s going to be a good fight, I think."

He added:

"But I’m a champion now, they have to call me out, and I’m ready to come back quick, as soon as UFC wants me to come back.”

Check out Merab Dvalishvili's comments below (5:20):