Surprise! Dana White changes his mind about UFC champion and praises him: 'I love it'

Merab celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/homeoffight

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Dana White finally recognized the value of Merab Dvalishvili. After winning Cory Sandhagen, in October, in Las Vegas (USA), the Georgian already has a commitment scheduled for December 6th. The UFC bantamweight champion (up to 61,2 kg) will put his title on the line for the fourth time in the rematch against Petr yan. The announcement of the duel was made last Monday (13) by the director, who surrendered to the athlete.

It's worth noting that if Merab defeats the Russian again, he will become the first fighter to defend the UFC belt four times in a year. When asked by a journalist about 'The Machine's' quick return to action, Dana seemed unconcerned and made a point of praising him. In fact, the company president's stance is surprising, given that he has harshly criticized the athlete in the past.

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When aljamain sterling dominated the bantamweight division, Dana disapproved of Merab's refusal to face his longtime friend. The director also reprimanded him for taking more risks than necessary in training and making dangerous jokes close to fights. But now, White, who previously seemed to dislike the Georgian, has become his supporter, largely due to his courageous stance as champion and willingness to fight.

“I love it. It took me a minute to get used to Merab. I'm really excited right now. I love that mentality. He wants to be the first guy to defend his belt that many times in a year. If you look at what he's done and how he's proven himself as a fighter and as a champion, it's impressive,” Dana said at the post-Contender Series press conference, held last Tuesday (14).

Merab's UFC Retrospective in 2025

Until now, Merab Dvalishvili has fought three fights this season. The UFC bantamweight champion has overcome Umar Nurmagomedov by unanimous decision in January, submitted Sean O'Malley in the third round of the rematch in June and went through Cory Sandhagen also by unanimous decision in October.

Unstoppable, the Georgian aims to defend his belt for the fourth time against Petr yan, in December. In the first fight, held in 2023, 'The Machine' dominated the Russian, winning by three scores of 50-45.