Merab Dvalishvili lashes out over 'disrespect' toward fighters
· Yahoo Sports
Merab Dvalishvili believes all fighters deserve respect. | Getty/UFC
Merab Dvalishvili believes fighters shouldn’t be disrespected regardless of wins and losses.
Dvalishvili (21-5) recently lashed out on social media against “s—t talk” toward fighters. While Dvalishvili didn’t clarify the target of his rant, he issued an open challenge to talk trash to his face.
“You disrespect the dedication and hard work to the sport that every fighter puts in when you talk s--t,” Dvalishvili wrote on X. “Win or lose we are all warriors and deserve respect. F--k anyone talking what they don’t know - come say it to my face.”
You disrespect the dedication and hardwork to the sport that every fighter puts in when you talk sh!t. Win or lose we are all warriors and deserve respect. F*^k anyone talking what they don’t know - come say it to my face.— Merab “The Machine” Dvalishvili (@MerabDvalishvil) June 19, 2026
Standing Up for a Friend?
Dvalishvili’s comments come in the aftermath of his close friend and fellow Georgian Ilia Topuria’s (17-1) lightweight title loss against Justin Gaethje at UFC White House earlier this month. Topuria appeared supremely confident leading up to his title defense against Gaethje at the White House. “El Matador” had repeatedly predicted a first-round knockout win, even celebrating with a party a day before the fight. However, Gaethje bloodied up Topuria, forcing his corner to throw in the towel at the end of the fourth round.
Visit tr-sport.click for more information.