Henry Cejudo predicts Merab Dvalishvili will become UFC champion no matter whom it’s against.
After rallying to overwhelm Cejudo at UFC 298, Dvalishvili (17-4 MMA, 10-2 UFC) is expected to challenge the winner of the bantamweight title fight between champion Sean O’Malley and Marlon Vera, which headlines UFC 299 on March 9.
Having experienced Dvalishvili’s heavy pace and output, Cejudo is confident “The Machine” would beat either O’Malley or Vera.
“Obviously, he’s got the next title shot, he’s going to be there in Miami, ‘Chito’ vs. Sean O’Malley,” Cejudo said on his YouTube channel. “He will be there in person. So I think either way, the winner or whoever fights Merab, I think it’s going to be easy money. His pace is too ridiculous. Unless O’Malley or ‘Chito’ catches him early in Round 1 or Round 2 – but I will say this, this dude can take a hit and still keep coming forward.
“I’ve seen him get decked by Ricky Simon, still came forward, I saw him get rocked by Marlon Moraes and myself with that crazy hook. This guy’s got endurance, man. The time is for him to become a world champion. Even if he were to fight Alajmain Sterling, getting a chance to be in there with both of them, he’d beat Sterling, too, he really would. I think the pace he would carry even with a guy like Sterling, I think he gets rid of him. This guy, especially in a five-round fight, it’s impressive.”
UFC CEO Dana White confirmed that Dvalishvili is now the No. 1 contender. Dvalishvili also offered to be the backup for O’Malley’s title fight vs. Vera.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 299.
Henry Cejudo: Sean O’Malley-Marlon Vera winner ‘easy money’ for Merab Dvalishvili