Former UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad praised Merab Dvalishvili’s toughness at UFC 323. Dvalishvili unsuccessfully defended his 135-pound title for the fourth time in 2025, with Petr Yan taking part in spoiler within the rematch.
Yan emerged as a extra correct striker and bloodied the 34-year-old. The challenger additionally landed takedowns of his personal and stopped lots of Dvalishvili’s takedowns. In the long run, “No Mercy” gained a unanimous determination and have become a two-time bantamweight kingpin.
Commentators at UFC 323 famous that the Georgian reacted with excruciating ache to every shot to the liver. However he did not decelerate.
Now, Belal Muhammad praised “The Machine’s” toughness. In response to “Bear in mind the Title”, most fighters both collapse or retire after taking such a shot. However the Georgians continued to face.
“An actual fighter is aware of that while you get shot within the liver, 90 % of men fall to their knees. He was making noise, however he was nonetheless standing. There was no resignation in him. He saved going till the tip.”
Take a look at Belal Muhammad’s feedback under.
After the loss, the UFC promised Merab Dvalishvili a title rematch in his subsequent struggle as soon as he recovers and is prepared.
Aljamain Sterling reveals Merab Dvalishvili’s UFC 323 recreation plan
After Merab Dvalishvili’s title loss, Dvalishvili’s longtime good friend and coaching associate Aljamain Sterling identified the principle explanation why Dvalishvili didn’t attain his full potential. The co-main occasion of UFC 323 ended simply seconds after spherical one started, and Sterling believes “The Machine” might not have had sufficient time to heat up earlier than the struggle.
Sterling additionally revealed that the method by which Petr Yan needed to assault the physique was additionally deliberate for Dvalishvili. “Funk Grasp” mentioned:
“When Yan began going to his physique, we mentioned, ‘Hey, you may go to the physique, too. We have the identical combos in there that you just and John Wood observe within the room. And we practiced when he covers. After which while you begin throwing punches, he begins serious about sitting down and punching with you…You then tear the physique and he drops his fingers. You can begin searching for takedowns.’
Aljamain Sterling’s feedback on Merab Dvalishvili’s title loss are under.
