Merab Dvalishvili has given his two cents on why he misplaced his RAF rematch in opposition to former UFC double champ Henry Cejudo.
This previous weekend at RAF 12, “Triple C” returned to the mats to run it again with “The Machine.” Because the bout started, Cejudo flipped Dvalishvili, scored a fast takedown, after which squeezed Dvalishvili to safe a pinfall in simply 36 seconds.
With the victory, Cejudo not solely avenged his earlier RAF Georgia defeat to Dvalishvili but in addition captured the inaugural Actual American Freestyle Light-weight Crossover title.
Earlier immediately, throughout an interview with Ariel Helwani, Dvalishvili confessed that he didn’t have sufficient time to correctly practice for this RAF rematch. He stated:
“It was dangerous since I beat him [Henry Cejudo] in wrestling… I knew he was making ready one thing. I do know he was gonna research me, and I don’t have time to actually practice for wrestling like this. I’m targeted for my battle all the time.”
“If I’ve a wrestling match in RAF, I often [prepare for] about week, as a second coaching, however yeah, I misplaced this match. I used to be smiling. I used to be joyful for him.” [h/t: Ariel Helwani]
Try Merab Dvalishvili’s feedback beneath:
Dvalishvili needs to run it again with “Triple C” for a 3rd time to finish the trilogy, however for now, he has his UFC duties to handle.
When did Merab Dvalishvili not have time to organize for the RAF Henry Cejudo rematch?
Merab Dvalishvili will return to the octagon at UFC 333 to run it again with present and two-time bantamweight champion Petr Yan, who dethroned him final 12 months at UFC 323.
Preparations for this title rematch saved the 35-year-old busy; subsequently, earlier than his second RAF task in opposition to Henry Cejudo, he didn’t have sufficient time to prepare.
2025 was a busy 12 months for Merab Dvalishvili, and making an attempt to defend his belt 4 occasions in a 12 months to interrupt information took a toll on his well being, efficiency, and preparations. He in the end misplaced the strap after a brutal five-round battle with Yan.
This time, after practically 10 months of relaxation, “The Machine” is coming to reclaim his belt, and he plans to return to being an energetic champion, as he has all the time accomplished.
