UFC bantamweight Merab Dvalishvili managed to shut out former featherweight champion Jose Aldo over the course of three rounds at UFC 278. However, at the post-fight press conference, Dvalishvili revealed that he felt disappointed in his own performance in the fight.
When asked if he was satisfied with the fight, Dvalishvili was introspective. “Yes and no.
Dvalishvili Unhappy With Performance Against Aldo
Of course, I wanted a more exciting fight and I wanted to take him down. But he was good, and it was hard to time him and take him down.
Against the cage, he was good. He was defending my takedown good. Also, I didn’t want to spend too much energy because I wanted to be ready for a strike.
But this is the fight game. I kept it against the wall, and I was winning the fight comfortable. It’s his job to move and do something because I was winning the fight.”
Dvalishvili failed to land a single takedown against Jose Aldo, and controlled the majority of the fight against the fence. This wall-and-stall tactic earned him a victory, but saw Dvalishvili booed heavily in the arena. Although he failed to mount any meaningful offense, he also prevented Aldo from doing so, and as the more aggressive – or perhaps more initiative – fighter on the day, he earned a victory.
Defeating Jose Aldo is a major scalp for Dvalishvili, who should rightfully be in bantamweight title contention with the victory. His next step, in one of the most heavily stacked divisions in the UFC, is one that Dvalishvili is excited to take.
Of course, Dvalishvili, who trains alongside bantamweight champ Aljamain Sterling, couldn’t resist the chance to take a jab at Sterling’s next opponent, former champ T.J. Dillashaw.“I believe there are so many fights left for me.
There are so many. Our division is the most exciting. There are so many young guys, former champions. Henry Cejudo is coming back. Actually, Aljo has to beat them – the former champions.
Monday, I’ll be back in the gym helping Aljo. He helped me in this training camp in the gym, weight cut, everything. We have a big fight. Aljo is fighting for the title against a cheater, and we have to beat T.J. Dillashaw together.”
What’s next for Merab Dvalishvili? What did you think of his performance at UFC 278? Could he have bested Aldo with a more fan-friendly display? Let us know in the comments.
