Analysis: What’s next for bantamweight contender Merab Dvalishvili?

With nine straight wins in the UFC, bantamweight contender Merab Dvalishvili is one of the absolute best fighters in the stacked division. This past weekend’s win over former champion Petr Yan would normally position him in a very good spot for competing for the title next.

However, the impressive victory rather puts Dvalishvili in a peculiar situation, since he refuses to fight for the title as his teammate and friend Aljamain Sterling is the reigning champion.

Let’s take a closer look at Merab Dvalishvili’s possible next opponents!

Backup for Aljamain Sterling vs. Henry Cejudo

Henry Cejudo. Photo via Instagram (@henry_cejudo)

Aljamain Sterling is fighting Henry Cejudo at UFC 288 in May. If Sterling wins, then Dvalishvili will have to wait to see if his teammate choses to move up to featherweight to give him the chance to fight for the bantamweight strap.

Cejudo has expressed a desire to let Dvalishvili to serve as the backup for the upcoming title bout, since he’s scared that the champion will pull out of the fight.

“Why we don’t make Merab the backup at UFC 288. Why don’t we do it that way? That way it’s both of these training partners because I have a feeling Aljamain is going to eventually back out so I want to make sure,” Cejudo recently said on Twitter.

However, this scenario is not very likely to happen, since Dvalishvili would have to face his teammate if Cejudo is the one to pull out.

Sean O’Malley

Sean O’Malley. Photo via Twitter (UFC)

No. 1 ranked bantamweight contender Sean O’Malley is another possible fight for Merab.

The American striker, who has not yet proven himself against any strong wrestler, is a good fight on paper for ”The Machine”.

It’s questionable if O’Malley is willing to risk his No. 1 spot instead of waiting around to fight the winner of Sterling and Cejudo.

Marlon ”Chito” Vera

Marlon Vera. Photo: Viaplay

The tough Marlon Vera is set to face No. 5 ranked Cory Sandhagen on March 25.

If ”Chito” wins the fight, he could very well be facing Dvalishvili next. The well-rounded and sharp Vera, who’s known for his relentless pace, could be an interesting matchup for the Georgian pressure-fighter.

Cory Sandhagen

Cory Sandhagen. Photo: Steven Branscombe – USA TODAY Sports

The tall and lanky Cory Sandhagen is another possible opponent in the top 5.

If Sandhagen would use his reach advantage to keep the fight on the outside, and threaten with knees up the middle, he could be a tough matchup for the shorter Dvalishvili.

This is Merab Dvalishvili

Merab Dvalishvili. Foto: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via USA TODAY Sports

• Age: 32
• Record: 16-4
• UFC record: 9-2
• Weight: 135 lb (61 kg; 9 st 9 lb)
• Height: 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m)
• Reach: 68 in (173 cm)
• Post-fight bonuses:  2

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