Merab Dvalishvili has provided a Valentine’s Day update about his next UFC fight.
The bantamweight champion is still celebrating his recent win over top contender Umar Nurmagomedov.
Merab Dvalishvili picked up a unanimous decision at UFC 311 last month to defend his 135lb title for the first time since outpointing Sean O’Malley to become a champion at UFC 306 in September.
Now he’s ready for his next challenge and has whittled down his list of potential opponents to two.
Merab Dvalishvili pokes fun at Sean O’Malley
Merab Dvalishvili kicked off the most romantic day of the year with an unusual message to O’Malley.
Famously, the 135lb king kissed O’Malley during their five-round fight at the $2.3 billion Las Vegas Sphere.
Just to make things more weird, he’s sent ‘Suga’ an E-card to celebrate Valentine’s Day 2025.
It was posted on X and included a picture from their fight and a bunch of crying laughing emojis.
😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/hChZhHv9zU
— Merab “The Machine” Dvalishvili (@MerabDvalishvil) February 14, 2025
Merab Dvalishvili provides fight update
Soon after cracking up fans with his jibe at O’Malley, footage of Dvalishvili talking about his next fight began circulating online.
In it, the Georgian wrestler named his UFC 306 opponent on a two-man list of potential opponents alongside Petr Yan, who he beat over five rounds when they clashed in March 2023.
Dvalishvili says he will face either O’Malley or Yan next as he revealed a timeline for his Octagon return.
👀Merab Dvalishvili targets a return in April or June, naming Petr Yan or Sean O’Malley as potential opponents.
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) February 14, 2025
🎥 @SCrossCombat ▫️ pic.twitter.com/1d8efNUEou
“I think my thoughts and the UFC’s plan is the same,” he told Southern Cross Combat.
“I want a rematch with either Sean O’Malley or Petr Yan. I think the UFC wants the same.
“My next fight should be April or June. I’m ready. Whatever the UFC wants. I’m waiting for a contract.
“I’m ready to show people a good fight again and do what I love to do.”