Highlights
- Henry Cejudo is set to fight Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 298, with a potential title shot on the line.
- Dvalishvili is on a nine-fight win streak and is highly praised by Cejudo as the greatest champion in the division.
- Despite his impressive record, Dvalishvili acknowledges that he needs to prove himself further and wants the winner of Chito Vera and Sean O'Malley for a title shot.
Henry Cejudo is set to square off against Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 298 on February 17 in Anaheim, California. Cejudo, the former UFC double champion, emerged from retirement this year for a title fight against Aljamain Sterling, Dvalishvili's teammate, resulting in a closely contested split-decision loss. This marked Cejudo's first bout in three years after retiring in 2020.
Meanwhile, Dvalishvili, boasting a nine-fight win streak, including eight consecutive victories at bantamweight – the second-longest streak in the division's history – brings a formidable record to the matchup. Georgian wrestler holds the record for the most takedowns landed in UFC bantamweight history. Dvalishvili is coming off a unanimous decision triumph over former bantamweight champion Petr Yan in March. Despite his dominant performance, the UFC opted for Sean O’Malley versus Marlon “Chito” Vera for the title shot, scheduled for UFC 299 in March.
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Triple C Says A Title Shot Is On The Line
Cejudo made the fight announcement on his YouTube channel and gave some insight into his game plan.
“This fight’s going to decide who’s actually going to fight eventually the winner of Chito Vera versus Sean O’Malley,” Cejudo said. “I’m excited. I’m not sure if we’re going to co-headline this fight with Ilia Topuria and Alexander Volkanovski but either way guys, this fight is absolutely going to be bonkers.”
The former two-division champion said he got a training partner who is Merab’s size and has trained with him in the past. Cejudo also admits the training camp will be tough due to his opponent’s style of “pressure and shoot.”
According to ESPN sources, there is currently no signed agreement, and neither party has received official bout contracts. However, both sides have verbally agreed to the fight.
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The Georgian Star Is Confident He Will Extend His Winning Streak
Dvalishvili expressed his admiration for Cejudo when discussing the potential match-up. Speaking on the UFC Vegas 83 post-fight show, he acknowledged, "He’s the greatest champion, he was after [Aljamain Sterling] beat him. I’m excited. This is going to be a big test for me. Even if I feel I don’t need the test anymore.”
Despite holding a nine-fight win streak and having defeated every opponent presented to him, Dvalishvili acknowledged that the UFC has chosen to provide him with another challenge in the form of Henry Cejudo. Expressing gratitude for the opportunity, he believes that he already deserves a title shot and wants the winner of Chito Vera and Sean O'Malley.
Although Dvalishvili had earned the right to a title shot, Vera holds a distinct position as the sole fighter to defeat O'Malley, and their rivalry carries significant weight. Vera achieved a one-round victory, inflicting a drop foot injury on O'Malley with a powerful leg kick. O'Malley, however, has been reluctant to acknowledge the loss, causing frustration among UFC fans and Vera alike.
