Merab Dvalishvili Anticipates Potential Rise of Aiemann Zahabi

WASHINGTON – Former UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili is keenly watching the upcoming bouts at UFC Freedom 250, particularly one matchup featuring a familiar face. Sean O'Malley, another former bantamweight titleholder, will face Aiemann Zahabi on the White House lawn, a fight that could significantly impact the division's landscape.

Dvalishvili (21-5 MMA, 14-3 UFC), who is likely to challenge champion Petr Yan in a trilogy fight next, is interested in the outcome between O'Malley (19-3 MMA, 11-3 UFC) and Zahabi (14-2 MMA, 8-2 UFC). The victor will likely emerge as a leading contender for the title. While Dvalishvili holds O'Malley in high regard, he expresses respect for Zahabi's capabilities. "I always root for my past opponents," he remarked to MMA Junkie. "Like, I'm always rooting for Sean O'Malley now, but Zahabi is not an easy opponent. He has a great seven-fight win streak."

Dvalishvili adds that regardless of who wins, the outcome will be beneficial for the bantamweight division. "If Zahabi wins, it won't be bad for the division. He will have an eight-fight win streak and he will fight the winner of me and Petr Yan," he said. "So, he could be my next opponent. I'm excited to watch this fight."

O'Malley has displayed confidence leading up to the fight, comparing Zahabi to a punching bag during media appearances. However, Dvalishvili cautions that the bout may not be as straightforward as O'Malley suggests. "It won't be this much easy against Zahabi, but he can win," he stated. "If not, then I tell you, we will have a new contender in the division, and hopefully I can fight him next."