Merab Dvalishvili walk with Henry Cejudo on the shoulders. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter @UFCNews
Prominent in the bantamweight (up to 61,2kg.) of Ultimate, Merab Dvalishvili took an important step towards the title fight. This Saturday (17), at UFC 298, held in Anaheim (USA), the Georgian had a convincing performance and beat the former group champion, Henry Cejudo. After three rounds, the athlete was declared the winner with a unanimous decision by the judges.
Current number two in the category, Dvalishvili is managing a great phase in his career. The triumph over Cejudo represented the 10th consecutive victory in the athlete's record.
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Without winning since retiring, Cejudo has an uncertain future in MMA. On the eve of UFC 298, the North American confirmed that he would retire in case of a negative result.
Due to the status of challenger
The fight began with the athletes studying each other in the center of the Octagon. At the beginning of the confrontation, the Georgian was almost surprised by the former champion. Halfway through the stage, Dvalishvili brought the audience to their feet by taking the wrestling legend down. Cejudo managed to stay on his feet, but ended up losing his balance due to a right hand applied by his opponent. Henry reversed the situation and got on top of his opponent. The stage ended with pressure from the former champion on the Georgian on the bars.
In the second stage, the challenge remained technical between the bantamweight stars. The fighters relied on long-range attacks and specific attacks. With just over a minute played, the North American shortened the game and attempted a takedown. Merab defended himself well, but was a victim of his opponent's fair strategy. With almost two minutes gone, Cejudo lost his balance after receiving a clean cross to the face. Halfway through the round, Dvalishvili managed to land a takedown on the American, but the former champion quickly broke free. In the final minute, Cejudo risked a takedown, but neglected his neck. Merab risked a guillotine, while the veteran protected himself.
The last round began with Cejudo closing the distance with a straight shot. Afterwards, it was Merab's turn to cut short and press the former champion against the bars. Henry managed to free himself and the challenge was fought again in the center of the octagon. Almost halfway through the round, Merab attempted a takedown again, but Henry protected himself well. With two minutes left in the match, Dvalishvili simply lifted Cejudo on his shoulders and walked around the octagon like the veteran, applying a takedown afterwards. Henry managed to stay on his feet, but was still being pressured by his opponent. In the final seconds, the former champion broke free and it was his turn to try for a takedown, but Dvalishvili protected himself well.
UFC 298 results
MAIN CARD
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Ilia Topuria derrotou Alexander Volkanovsky by knockout at 3m32s of R2- fight for the belt
Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Robert whittaker derrotou Paulo borrachinha in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Ian Gary derrotou Geoff neal in the judges' split decision (30-27, 28-29, 30-27)
Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): Merab Dvalishvili derrotou Henry Cejudo in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): anthony hernandez finished Roman Kopylov with a rear naked choke at 3m23s of R2
PRELIMINARY CARD
Straw weight (up to 52,1 kg): Amanda lemos derrotou Mackenzie dern in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Heavy weight (up to 120,2 kg): Marcos Foot derrotou Junior Tafa by technical knockout at 1m14s of R2
Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): Rinya Nakamura derrotou Carlos Vera in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Light heavyweight (up to 93 kg): Mingyang Zhang derrotou Brendson Ribeiro by technical knockout at 1m41s of R1
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Danny Barlow derrotou Josh Quinlan by technical knockout at 1m18s of R3
Peos welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Oban Elliot defeated Valentine Woodburn in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Miranda maverick derrotou Andrea Lee in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
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