Ali Akbar Rosady
Merab Dvalishvili, a formidable presence in the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s bantamweight division, finds himself navigating a period of anticipation and active competition, albeit in different arenas. While eagerly awaiting confirmation for a highly anticipated rematch against former UFC champion Petr Yan, Dvalishvili has simultaneously immersed himself in the world of freestyle wrestling, with a significant bout against Olympic gold medalist Henry Cejudo scheduled for an upcoming Real Athlete Federation (RAF) event in his native Georgia.
The quest for a definitive second encounter with Petr Yan has become a focal point for Dvalishvili. Following their initial clash at UFC Fight Night 221 in March 2023, where Dvalishvili secured a unanimous decision victory, the prospect of a rematch, potentially leading to a trilogy, has captivated fight fans. However, progress on booking this pivotal bantamweight contest has stalled. Dvalishvili, currently ranked No. 2 in the UFC bantamweight division, has expressed growing frustration over the lack of communication regarding Yan’s return to active competition.
"I guess I’m not fighting in August and I haven’t heard anything from Petr Yan," Dvalishvili disclosed to MMA Fighting, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding the matchup. "I’m just waiting for him and I’m praying he’s coming back soon. I don’t know. Petr, come back soon, bro. Let’s fight. I want to fight. Let’s go."
Yan, a former UFC bantamweight champion currently ranked No. 4, has been sidelined by an undisclosed injury, which has been cited as the primary reason for the delay in scheduling his return. His last outing was the aforementioned loss to Dvalishvili. Prior to that, Yan had a mixed record, losing the bantamweight title to Aljamain Sterling via disqualification in 2021, winning an interim title against Cory Sandhagen later that year, and then losing the undisputed title rematch to Sterling in 2022. The highly competitive nature of the 135-pound division, currently spearheaded by reigning champion Sean O’Malley, means that significant delays can profoundly impact a contender’s trajectory. Dvalishvili, riding a robust 10-fight winning streak, is widely considered to be next in line for a title shot, making the resolution of his next opponent a critical juncture in his career. The absence of a clear timeline for Yan’s return has left Dvalishvili in a holding pattern, despite his readiness to compete.
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In the interim, Dvalishvili has used the unexpected downtime to address minor physical ailments. He acknowledged healing some persistent injuries, although he recently added to this list by breaking his nose on two separate occasions – once during training and again during a recent wrestling match. Despite the repetitive nature of the injury, Dvalishvili has downplayed its severity, indicating it will not impede his ability to compete. "My nose is good now," he affirmed. "It’s healed up. But if it happens, I don’t care anymore. I’ll be fine." This resilience is characteristic of athletes in high-impact sports, where minor injuries are often considered part of the profession.
With his UFC schedule in limbo, Dvalishvili has sought alternative avenues for competition, pivoting to freestyle wrestling through the Real Athlete Federation (RAF). This organization facilitates high-profile grappling matchups, often featuring mixed martial artists and accomplished wrestlers. Dvalishvili’s foray into this domain began with a successful debut against collegiate wrestling standout Nick Suriano in April 2024, signaling his intent to remain active and hone his grappling skills. This venture also serves to maintain his competitive edge and physical conditioning while awaiting his next MMA assignment.
His next wrestling challenge is set to be a marquee event, as Dvalishvili prepares to face Henry Cejudo, a combat sports icon, in the main event of an RAF card in Georgia. This matchup carries significant weight for Dvalishvili, marking his first competitive appearance in his home country since 2010. The contest was initially slated for an earlier RAF event but was postponed when Cejudo withdrew for undisclosed reasons. The rescheduled bout now presents Dvalishvili with a unique opportunity to compete before his compatriots against one of the most decorated athletes in combat sports history.
Henry Cejudo, known as "Triple C" for his unprecedented achievement of winning an Olympic gold medal and two UFC championships in different weight classes, brings an unparalleled wrestling pedigree to the matchup. Cejudo captured freestyle wrestling gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics in the 55kg category, solidifying his status as one of the finest pure wrestlers to transition to MMA. In the UFC, he achieved further greatness, holding both the bantamweight and flyweight titles simultaneously.
The upcoming wrestling match will be a rematch of sorts, as Dvalishvili and Cejudo previously met in an MMA bout at UFC 298 in February 2024. In that encounter, Dvalishvili secured a unanimous decision victory, effectively utilizing his relentless pressure and takedowns to control Cejudo for extended periods. While Dvalishvili’s grappling prowess was evident in the MMA setting, the transition to pure freestyle wrestling presents a different dynamic. In a wrestling-only context, Cejudo, with his Olympic background, is widely regarded as the favorite due to his specialized expertise in the sport’s nuances and scoring.
Dvalishvili openly acknowledges the heightened pressure of competing on home soil. "This is pressure for sure," he admitted. "I haven’t competed in my country since 2010. It’s going to be exciting but maybe a little bit stressful, too, because I can’t lose [in front of] my people. It’s going to be hard. Who knows?" The passionate support of Georgian fans, known for their deep reverence for wrestling, will undoubtedly add an emotional layer to the contest. Georgia has a rich and storied history in wrestling, producing numerous Olympic and world champions, making Dvalishvili’s appearance a significant cultural as well as sporting event.
Despite the inherent challenges, Dvalishvili approaches the contest with a blend of respect for his opponent and confidence in his own abilities. He recognizes Cejudo’s motivation to avenge his prior MMA loss and the technical superiority Cejudo might possess in a pure wrestling environment. "Maybe he wants to avenge his loss and I’m sure he’s training hard to beat me," Dvalishvili observed. "Let’s see. He’s the best at wrestling. I have an advantage competing at my home in Georgia but it’s his sport wrestling. We’ll see what’s going to happen."
Beyond the competitive aspect, Dvalishvili has extended a cordial invitation to Cejudo for post-match festivities, showcasing the famed Georgian hospitality. "Whatever it will be, I’ll be happy," Dvalishvili stated. "After our match, win or lose, I’m going to make Henry Cejudo get drunk in Georgia. Give him lots of good Georgian food and show him hospitality. I have so much respect for Henry. He’s a good athlete and a good father." This gesture underscores the respect shared between elite athletes, transcending the competitive intensity of their clash. Georgian culture places a high value on hospitality, often featuring elaborate feasts and toasts, an experience Dvalishvili intends to share with his opponent, regardless of the outcome.
As Merab Dvalishvili balances the anticipation of a high-stakes UFC rematch with the immediate challenge of a wrestling showdown against an Olympic legend, his dedication to competition remains unwavering. His engagement in the RAF event not only keeps him active but also offers a unique platform to display his multifaceted skills against a decorated adversary, all while carrying the hopes of his nation on his shoulders. The outcome of both his pursuit of Yan and his wrestling match with Cejudo will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of his impressive career in combat sports.
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