Credit: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Former UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili isn’t planning on hanging up the gloves anytime soon after UFC 333.
UFC bantamweight titleholder Petr Yan rallied to defeat Merab Dvalishvili in their highly anticipated trilogy at UFC 333 last Saturday. Yan defeated Dvalishvili by unanimous decision to bring their rivalry to an apparent end.
It was a disappointing setback for Dvalishvili after losing the bantamweight title to Yan last year at UFC 323. Before the consecutive losses to Yan, Dvalishvili defeated Cory Sandhagen and Sean O’Malley (twice), and Umar Nurmagomedov during his title reign.
Dvalishvili is in a peculiar position in the bantamweight title mix following two losses to Yan. Despite his latest setback, Dvalishvili isn’t hanging up the gloves anytime soon, as he shared in his first statement following the trilogy.
Merab Dvalishvili expresses gratitude following UFC 333 trilogy loss
In a recent Instagram post, Dvalishvili addressed his fans and followers after UFC 333.
“Good day, everyone!” Dvalishvili began.
“First and foremost, I want to thank God for he has truly blessed me and I am grateful! Next, I want to thank my cornermen for their help and dedication. I am grateful for my Vegas teammates and training partners who always showed up and pushed me to great limits. Also big thanks to my New York team and all my New York / Long Island Boys !! Thank you to the UFC for always giving me these opportunities! Last but certainly not least – my family, friends and fans – your support and love means the world to me!
“I cannot wait to be back in that cage doing what I love to do!” Dvalishvili continued. “I am healthy and motivated and will be back soon! This Machine never breaks! See you all soon.”
As for what’s next for Dvalishvili, he’ll likely return at bantamweight to face one of the division’s other top contenders. He’s also hinted at a potential move down to flyweight, particularly during teammate Aljamain Sterling’s bantamweight title reign.
Who should Merab Dvalishvili fight next after UFC 333? Share your thoughts in the comments!
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
