With UFC 306 just a few weeks away, fans were shocked to hear about the facial laceration that one of the main event competitors, Merab Dvalishvili, suffered during training. The news quickly spread through MMA social media, causing anxiety among fans eagerly anticipating the upcoming fight. Dvalishvili, who boasts an impressive record of 17-4 MMA, with 10-2 UFC, took to his Instagram page to share videos of the aftermath of the injury, sparking concerns about his ability to compete in the upcoming match.
Despite the alarming nature of the injury, Dvalishvili tried to calm the fears of his fans by commenting on his Instagram post, stating, “Calm down – its all good- just a little training injury. Never pulled out of a fight – and Never will! I’m coming for you O’Malley – stronger than ever Vamos!” His words were intended to reassure fans that he was still committed to the fight and ready to face his opponent, O’Malley, head-on.
Following Dvalishvili’s post, his opponent, O’Malley, expressed his own concerns about the situation by commenting, “This little f*ckin rat better not pull out I swear to god,” on X. The tension surrounding the fight intensified, prompting Dvalishvili’s manager, Oren Hodak, of KO Reps, to step in and address the situation. In an interview with MMA Junkie, Hodak reassured fans that they did not believe the injury would have a significant impact on the fight and expressed confidence in Dvalishvili’s ability to compete.
Despite the challenges posed by the injury, both Dvalishvili and his manager remained optimistic about the upcoming fight. Hodak took to X to emphasize their belief that the injury would not deter Dvalishvili from giving his best performance. In a message laced with confidence, Hodak stated, “You think a few stitches 25 days out is going to affect Mexican Merab? Just need a little salt on the wound….. no suga needed!” This declaration of unwavering determination and resilience showcased Dvalishvili’s commitment to competing and overcoming any obstacles in his path.
While the injury to Dvalishvili may have sparked concerns among fans and his opponent, O’Malley, the fighter and his manager have remained steadfast in their belief that he will be ready to compete in UFC 306. The incident serves as a reminder of the physical challenges and uncertainties that fighters face in the lead-up to a match, but also highlights the determination and resilience required to succeed in the world of MMA.