Merab Dvalishvili would be happy to serve as the backup fighter when Sean O'Malley meets Marlon 'Chito' Vera at UFC 299.
The Bantamweight belt will be on the line in the main event of the stacked card and in speaking with ESPN MMA, Dvalishvili revealed he will not only be in attendance, but would be happy to serve as the backup fighter for the main event, if needed.
"I will be there for sure, I have cancelled all of my trips, I am not going on vacation, I am training, I'll be ready. I will be back up fighter for Chito and O'Malley. I am ready, I am hungry, I just fought last weekend but I don't even feel I was in a fight, I had so much fun there. Now I am hungry, I am already back in the gym, I am so motivated, so pumped and I can't wait to fight next."
Following his unanimous decision victory against former champion Henry Cejudo, UFC CEO Dana White announced that Dvalishvili would be next to fight for the title, something the Georgian believes has been a long time coming.
"I was accepting (of) it because you know, 10 fight win streak, I've beat three former champions, nobody has done this to get the title fight, I am number 1 in the rankings, and there is no one else. I deserve it the most and I am ready, whoever is going to be next champion I will face."
Previewing the UFC 299 main event, the Bantamweight contender would like to see 'Suga' remain the champion.
"Styles make fights and this is a very interesting fight. I wish O'Malley (wins) but anything can happen, Chito has a chance too."
Ahead of his bout against Henry Cejudo, Dvalishvili walked out with a Mexican flag, and has very much enjoyed the love and support he has received from Mexican fans since. He said:
"It's been a surprise for me. Now I have got so much support from Mexican people, I have always had love for Mexico and the Mexican people, now I am blessed and I have to make sure I represent Mexico good."
UFC 299 will go down on Saturday March 9th at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida and away from the main event, the card is stacked with Dustin Poirier taking on Benot Saint-Denis in the co main event, Gilbert Burns & Jack Della Maddalena will square off in a welterweight bout and Petr yan facing Song Yadong to name but a few.
