UFC Las Vegas: The Theater At Virgin Hotels, Nevada
We have seen time and again in the history of combat sports where close friends refuse to fight one another. And if there was no agreement between champion Aljamain Sterling and Merab Dvalishvili we might see the UFC bantamweight title switch hands. Thanks in part to the over whelming gas tank of the 32-year old Georgian.
Not only did he extend his win streak to nine (eight of which are via the scorecards), but he blasted the old takedown attempt record in a fight of 36-to now 49. And his 135-significant strikes are proof he is well above average on the feet and no one-trick pony. Although none of them dropped Petr Yan, he did manage to swell shut the Russian’s left eye. And he also chopped up Yan’s left leg as well.
The five-rounds of domination leading to a unanimous 50-45 decision will move the third-ranked fighter up to two. He’s said he will wait for his teammate to fight Henry Cejudo in May.
Over Whelming Gas Tank Would Be Tough For Anyone To Beat Right Now
The fact that he isn’t picking up finishes is the only mark against him. Albeit a very tiny one. As they say “A win’s a win”. Should Sterling lose to Cejudo it will lead to one of two things. “Funk Master’s” move to 145, or an immediate rematch.
And Dvalishvili would like to wear the strap one day, or at least fight for it. A battle with “Triple C”, will test him like he’s never been tested before. Then again Cejudo has never faced someone with this much of a tank and relentlessness. Plus him being away for two-plus years may well be a factor too.
“The Machine” might get talked into a scrap with Sean OMalley in the mean time as a title eliminator. And that would be a far different test, as O’Malley would have a 6-inch advantage. So he would be open to getting cracked trying to get in range to strike or to shoot. And it’s not like O’Malley doesn’t have a ground game anyways.
However, if his chin is as solid as it appears, he could continue to run the table. And that would supply the tiny country of Georgia with their first-champion.
For updated sports news, head to: Belly Up Sports. And to see what’s new with CYCLONE, click on: Facebook.
