Surprise! Dana White changes his mind about UFC champion and praises him: 'I love it'

Merab celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/homeoffight

Dana White finally recognized the value of Merab Dvalishvili . After beating Cory Sandhagen in October in Las Vegas (USA), the Georgian already has a commitment scheduled for December 6th. The UFC bantamweight champion (up to 61,2 kg) will put his title on the line for the fourth time in a rematch against Petr Yan . The announcement of the duel was made last Monday (13) by the executive, who surrendered to the athlete.

It's worth noting that if Merab defeats the Russian again, he will become the first fighter to defend the UFC belt four times in a year. When asked by a journalist about 'The Machine's' quick return to action, Dana seemed unconcerned and made a point of praising him. In fact, the company president's stance is surprising, given that he has harshly criticized the athlete in the past.

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When Aljamain Sterling dominated the bantamweight division, Dana White disapproved of Merab refusing to fight his longtime friend. The UFC president also reprimanded him for taking unnecessary risks in training and engaging in dangerous stunts close to fights. But now, White, who previously seemed to dislike the Georgian, has become his supporter, largely due to his courageous stance as champion and his willingness to fight.

“I love it. It took me a minute to get used to Merab. I'm really excited right now. I love that mentality. He wants to be the first guy to defend his belt that many times in a year. If you look at what he's done and how he's proven himself as a fighter and as a champion, it's impressive,” Dana said at the post-Contender Series press conference, held last Tuesday (14).

Merab's UFC Retrospective in 2025

So far, Merab Dvalishvili has fought three times this season. The UFC bantamweight champion defeated Umar Nurmagomedov by unanimous decision in January, submitted Sean O'Malley in the third round of their rematch in June, and also won by unanimous decision against Cory Sandhagen in October.

Unstoppable, the Georgian aims to defend his title for the fourth time against Petr Yan in December. In their first fight, held in 2023, 'The Machine' dominated the Russian, winning by a triple 50-45 score.

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