UFC champ Merab Dvalishvili wants to team up with Conor McGregor for a potential White House fight! Could this unlikely duo shake up the MMA world? And wait until you hear what he said about Umar Nurmagomedov. Get ready for some serious fight drama!
UFC Bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili is currently on an unstoppable ascent, demonstrating remarkable ambition not just in his immediate fight schedule but also in his long-term aspirations. The Georgian powerhouse, known as ‘The Machine’, continues to solidify his position at the top of a stacked division, driven by a relentless pursuit of new challenges and high-profile encounters. His recent pronouncements highlight a fighter not content with merely defending his title, but one actively shaping his legacy both inside and outside the Octagon.
Dvalishvili is set to headline UFC 320 in October, where he will face the formidable Cory Sandhagen in what is anticipated to be a grueling test of skill and endurance. This will mark his third title defense, a testament to his consistent dominance in the highly competitive bantamweight division. Beyond this immediate challenge, Dvalishvili has already signaled his intent for a swift return to action later this year, aiming to take on another top contender, showcasing unparalleled confidence in his ability to emerge unscathed and ready for further battles.
Adding an intriguing twist to his already packed schedule, Merab Dvalishvili has openly expressed a surprising desire to train with none other than combat sports icon, Conor McGregor. This potential collaboration stems from a unique opportunity related to McGregor’s speculated return, possibly at a historic event rumored to take place at the White House in 2026. Such a high-profile pairing would undoubtedly generate immense buzz within the MMA community, linking two of the sport’s most compelling personalities.
Conor McGregor, a name synonymous with UFC superstardom, has been largely absent from active competition for over four years, following a career-halting leg injury. While a much-anticipated return against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 was briefly on the cards, a subsequent injury forced his withdrawal, leaving fans eagerly awaiting official updates on his comeback. The prospect of McGregor headlining a landmark event at the White House for July 4th celebrations in 2026 has ignited widespread speculation, suggesting a return to the grand stage he so often commanded.
Dvalishvili revealed the genesis of this potential training alliance during an appearance on the Full Send Podcast. He recounted a serendipitous FaceTime call with Conor McGregor while in China, facilitated by one of McGregor’s friends. During this conversation, McGregor himself extended an invitation for them to train together. Dvalishvili enthusiastically accepted, stating his commitment to his upcoming fights first but expressing a strong desire to visit and train with the former double champion once his immediate competitive obligations are fulfilled, further fueling excitement around a White House Fight.
Beyond his McGregor aspirations, Dvalishvili is also keenly focused on a heated rivalry with Umar Nurmagomedov. The reigning bantamweight champion did not mince words when discussing a potential rematch with the Dagestani fighter, a contest that holds significant personal stakes for Dvalishvili. Their previous encounter saw ‘The Machine’ secure a unanimous decision victory, a result he now claims he achieved despite significant physical setbacks, setting the stage for an even more intense second meeting.
During the Full Send podcast, Merab Dvalishvili candidly addressed his past performance against Umar Nurmagomedov, asserting that he would “beat the sh*t out of him” in a hypothetical rematch. He elaborated on the difficult circumstances surrounding their initial fight, citing injuries to his back and a leg infection during a “very stressful training camp.” This revelation underscores Dvalishvili’s current confidence and his belief that a fully prepared ‘Machine’ would deliver a decisively different outcome against Nurmagomedov.
The animosity between the two extends beyond the cage, with Dvalishvili highlighting a perceived lack of respect from Nurmagomedov. He emphasized that while he had always shown respect, Nurmagomedov’s public disrespect, particularly on social media, fueled his anger. Dvalishvili also criticized what he sees as preferential treatment for Umar due to his cousin Khabib Nurmagomedov’s influence, arguing that many other hardworking fighters in the UFC Bantamweight division lack such a platform. This personal dimension makes a potential rematch a highly anticipated event for MMA News.
