Merab Dvalishvili won’t call himself the greatest bantamweight of all time after UFC 316.
Dvalishvili returned to action in the main event on June 7, headlining the latest pay-per-view to take place at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
The Georgian was tasked with repeating the feat that elevated him to the throne in September 2024, and he did just that.
Dvalishvili submitted Sean O’Malley at UFC 316, marking an improvement on the five-round decision that he netted over ‘Suga’ eight months earlier.
Having now defended the bantamweight gold twice to move to within one of tying the all-time UFC record and extended his winning streak to 13, some have pushed Dvalishvili to the top of their GOAT list in the division.
The champion himself, though, won’t do the same.
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Merab Dvalishvili picks Aljamain Sterling as the UFC’s bantamweight GOAT
During his post-fight press conference backstage at the Prudential Center, Dvalishvili was asked to give his updated thoughts on the GOAT discussion at 135 pounds after UFC 316.
‘The Machine’ reiterated that he doesn’t plan on bestowing the crown upon his own head and will leave it up to the fans and media to decide.
He did, however, reveal his personal pick to be Aljamain Sterling.
“Thank you so much. I will say once again, this means a lot for me to even mention my name,” Dvalishvili said. “That’s up to you guys to say that, if I’m there or not.
“Aljamain Sterling used to beat me, still beats me (in the gym). How many wins do you have Aljo in the UFC? 20-something wins in the UFC. He beat a lot of good guys. He is the GOAT.
“He has a lot of fights in the UFC, lot of wins. He’s been a great champion, and he used to beat my ass, so he’s the best.”
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Aljamain Sterling wants revenge against Sean O’Malley after UFC 316
Having seen his friend and training partner record another victory over O’Malley, Sterling wants in on the action.
After a record three consecutive defenses of the bantamweight title, ‘Funk Master’ was knocked out by O’Malley at UFC 292 in Boston.
He’s since moved up to featherweight, a decision that some are calling for ‘Suga’ to replicate following UFC 316.
After taking note of that suggestion, Sterling called O’Malley out, expressing interest in facing the Montana native at full health.
“Let the former champ rest. But I would absolutely LOVE to show him what a healthy version of myself would do. He’s got great skills but I still know that was 50% version of myself.”
Sterling was vocal about the circumstances under which he fought O’Malley. He was frustrated at being made to defend the title just three months on from his five-round win over Henry Cejudo.