Merab Dvalishvili backs Aiemann Zahabi’s UFC title aspirations: “You deserve it” | BJPenn.com

Merab Dvalishvili and Aiemann Zahabi could be on a collision course for the championship depending on how things go this weekend. But the two men showed palpable mutual respect for each other during a big week of fighting for the former.

Dvalishvili will first have to deal with the upcoming challenge from former bantamweight champion Petr Yan, as the two head back for a rematch at UFC 323 on Saturday, December 6. Zahabi was on site during fight week in an analyst role Sportsnet and spoke with the reigning, defending champion. As for whether Zahabi is in the mix for a shot at championship gold as we head into the next calendar year, Dvalishvili said:

“Of course I mention your name because I recognize your hard work. You’re on a long winning streak. You’re on a long winning streak. Hopefully, God willing, I’m going to win, and hopefully you get your Merab Dvalishvili supports Aiemann Zahabi’s UFC title aspirations: “You deserve it” | BJPenn.com also shot because you deserve it.

The two then exchanged pleasantries, with the Canadian fighter thanking the Georgian champion for that sentiment. Then, both Zahabi and Dvalishvili wished each other luck during the remainder of the exchange.

Merab Dvalishvili was picked by Aiemann Zahabi to win at UFC 323 for selfish reasons

Merab Dvalishvili is one who is backing Aiemann Zahabi to win the championship battle this weekend, largely because it could benefit his own career interests. The Tristar product mentioned this during a recent interview James Lynch did bodog, while Zahabi spoke about how he thinks Dvalishvili as champion presents a clearer path for him as a title contender.

Zahabi’s logic was that if Petr Yan regained the title, there would be many more options for him as a player. newly minted title holder that would keep the rising bantamweight prospect on the sidelines, looking inward or where he might need to win a few more fights to stay in that mix.

Aiemann Zahabi said he felt the rematch between Yan and Dvalishvili was much closer to a 50-50 fight as he felt the former champion Yan did not get what he deserved. Especially in the context of the reports, Yan had an injured hand during that first Dvalishvili clash, with the latter earning a points victory.