Will Merab Dvalishvili fight Cory Sandhagen instead of eyeing title shot? 'The Machine' responds

It looks like Merab Dvalishvili is eying a fight with former interim bantamweight title challenger Cory Sandhagen instead of hunting for a title shot against his teammate Aljamain Sterling.

After edging past Marlon Vera via a split decision at UFC on ESPN 43, 'Sandman' took the opportunity to call out 'The Machine' during the post-fight interview:

"I would feel soo slimy if I asked for a title shot before Merab [Dvalishvili]. Merab is an absolute animal, I respect him a ton, I want that number one spot... Merab you're hungry well I've got something for you to eat and it don't taste good."

Catch Cory Sandhagen's call out below:

Speaking to Megan Olivi during the post-fight media scrum, 'The Machine' stated that he would readily welcome a fight with 'Sandman':

"I love the match-up because he is great you know. He is a high-level fighter. Now he'll be ranked maybe No. 3 [in the division]... I love the fight... I would love to clean the division. I love new challenge[s]. He called me out and I would love to fight him anytime."

Catch Merab Dvalishvili's comments below:

Although Merab Dvalishvili has a strong claim for the title shot as the No.1 contender, 'The Machine' has time and again clarified that he won't be fighting for the title as long as his teammate and friend Aljamain Sterling is the champion.

---

Dana White believes that Merab Dvalishvili is making a mistake by refusing to fight Aljamain Sterling

Dana White thinks Merab Dvalishvilis's call not to fight for the title as long as his friend Aljmain Sterling is holding the belt is a bad decision for his career.

During the post-match press conference for the Power Slap finale, the UFC president revealed such cases were common occurrences during the nascency of MMA when there were few camps for fighters to hone their skills.

White further elaborated on the absurdity of 'The Machine's' decision to let other fighters jump line over him for a title shot, saying:

"You can still be friends and want what your friend has... It would be [a] really bad idea for Merab to go down that path. So does Merab want a shot at the title? Or Merab would rather have people under him jump over him and he have to take on all these different tough guys when he is not even getting a title shot when he is next in line for it... If that's what he wants to do, I can tell you how that story ends. It's not a good ending to that story."

Catch Dana White's comments on Merab Dvalishvili below: