Merab Dvalishvili’s recent comments about potentially moving to the featherweight division could jeopardise his hard-won relationship with UFC President Dana White. After years of tension stemming from Dvalishvili’s eccentric behaviour and refusal to fight his teammate Aljamain Sterling, the bantamweight champion finally seemed to earn White’s respect. However, as he expresses hesitation to challenge featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski and emphasises his focus on defending his bantamweight title, there are growing concerns about the impact of his statements on their partnership.
Merab Dvalishvili’s Journey in the UFC Bantamweight Division
Merab Dvalishvili has made significant strides in the UFC bantamweight division over the past few years, showcasing his tenacity and determination within the octagon. After a turbulent start that saw him at odds with UFC president Dana White, Dvalishvili now stands as the reigning bantamweight champion, a title he has successfully defended three times. His journey has been marked by peculiar moments, including his unconventional antics that initially strained his professional relationship with White.
With his recent successes, it seemed that Dvalishvili had earned White’s respect and trust, especially given the opportunity to headline UFC 323 later this year. Fans and analysts are captivated by his potential path toward GOAT status, generating buzz about the possibility of him moving up the ranks and challenging for the featherweight title. However, despite recent advancements, Dvalishvili’s comments about stepping up weight classes introduce uncertainty regarding his relationship with the UFC and its president.
Concerns Over Dvalishvili’s Featherweight Comments
Dvalishvili’s remarks during a recent interview on the Believe You Me Podcast raised eyebrows, particularly his hesitation to challenge Alexander Volkanovski. He expressed deep admiration for the featherweight champion, noting, ‘I could never challenge him; he’s an amazing person, fighter, and father.’ While his respect for Volkanovski is commendable, such comments could signal to Dana White a reluctance to compete against elite fighters outside his weight class, a dynamic that White historically disapproves of.
Merab Dvalishvili says even if he moves up in weight, he won’t fight Alexander Volkanovski 🫂🤝
“Right now, I’m good where I am. Number one, I have so much respect and love for Alexander Volkanovski — I could never challenge him. Second, I have a tough opponent and I want to… pic.twitter.com/MrVRdh7SBX
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) November 4, 2025
His stated commitment to focusing solely on the bantamweight division, particularly with a notable opponent like Petr Yan on the horizon, could further complicate his standing with the UFC hierarchy. Dvalishvili’s intention to resist any featherweight title fight appears to be a strategic choice aimed at solidifying his current reign. Yet, this might displease White, who prefers champions to challenge themselves across different divisions, especially those seeking to establish their legacies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Merab Dvalishvili say about moving to the featherweight division?
Dvalishvili expressed that he feels comfortable in the bantamweight division and has no immediate plans to challenge Alexander Volkanovski or move up unless there are no more contenders in his weight class.
How has Dvalishvili’s relationship with Dana White evolved over time?
After previously straining their relationship with unconventional actions, Dvalishvili has made significant strides to improve it, especially following his bantamweight title wins and request to headline UFC 323.
Why has Dana White been frustrated with Dvalishvili in the past?
White’s frustration stems primarily from Dvalishvili’s reluctance to fight his teammate, Aljamain Sterling, especially when he was the champion, which is a situation that White typically does not favour.
What are the implications of Dvalishvili’s comments on his relationship with Dana White?
By expressing his hesitation to challenge Volkanovski and preference to remain in bantamweight, Dvalishvili risks once again disappointing White, who appreciates fighters willing to move between weight classes.
Could Dvalishvili’s reluctance to challenge Volkanovski impact his career trajectory?
Yes, if Dvalishvili continues to deny potential superfights, it could hinder his chances for larger opportunities and further strain his relationship with the UFC leadership.
