The tension between Islam Makhachev and Merab Dvalishvili has spilled back into public view, this time over a flag.
After defending his welterweight title against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330, Makhachev raised the Russian flag inside the Octagon in celebration.
That moment reportedly didn’t sit well with Dvalishvili, who was visibly upset watching Makhachev carry the flag, given his own history of not being permitted to carry the Georgian flag in similar circumstances. Dvalishvili has since gotten a Georgia tattoo on his chest, a gesture widely seen as his way of expressing that pride when the flag itself wasn’t an option.
Islam Makhachev Takes Aim at Merab Dvalishvili, Reminds Him of Petr Yan’s Russian Flag Celebration
Speaking via Ushatayka, Islam Makhachev didn’t hold back in response to Merab Dvalishvili’s criticism.
“From the very beginning he wasn’t happy at all about my success in the Octagon. He’s already spoken about this many times,” Makhachev said. “But Petr Yan, after beating him and raising the flag in the Octagon, I think he’ll beat him again now and finally make him shut up.”
The comment references Petr Yan’s prior UFC 323 title win over Merab Dvalishvili, a fight in which Yan also celebrated with the Russian flag.
Makhachev’s remarks suggest he sees history repeating itself at UFC 333 when Yan and Dvalishvili run it back, predicting his fellow Russian will get the job done against Dvalishvili again and put an end to the ongoing back-and-forth.
Also read: Merab Dvalishvili Rips Into Online Trolls Over Ilia Topuria: “F*ck Those People”
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