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.