Merab Dvalishvili, a former UFC bantamweight champion, has disclosed that he has once again broken his nose after his recent win over Frankie Edgar at RAF 09.
Dvalishvili is recognized as one of the toughest competitors in mixed martial arts, particularly in the lighter weight classes. His remarkable stamina and ability to endure significant damage while continuing to advance are key components of his success.
Although he is no longer a champion in the UFC following his loss to Petr Yan, Dvalishvili is reportedly hoping for a third opportunity to face Yan. The promotion’s future plans for the bantamweight division, however, remain uncertain.
Regarding his involvement in RAF, Dvalishvili confirmed after his fight with Edgar that he had sustained another nasal injury, a recurring issue throughout his career.
Merab Dvalishvili Confirms Broken Nose
“My nose was fine before, but I received a headbutt and [my nose] broke again,” Dvalishvili stated to MMA Fighting post-match. “It doesn’t matter. I’ve broken my nose many times. It will never stop me. It’s just a broken nose. This is what we do, and it’s all good.”
“I prefer to stay active,” Dvalishvili added. “As you know, I’m ready to fight. I’m just waiting for Petr Yan, hopefully he will return. I just saw he’s on vacation right now. I like to be busy, and thank you, RAF.”
While Dvalishvili enjoys staying active, it’s important to note that he suffered a similar injury just two months prior and has frequently been involved in training incidents outside of official bouts. Although this may not seem like a major concern, he is now 35 years old.
The Georgian fighter demonstrates an exceptional level of resilience rarely seen at the elite UFC level. However, he should consider his long-term future beyond his fighting career, as persistent nasal injuries or other significant health issues could impact his future endeavors after retirement.
For now, fans will have to wait to see if he schedules another fight with RAF, or a similar event, before a potential rematch with Petr Yan.
