UFC Bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili has reassured everyone that his highly anticipated rematch against Sean O’Malley at UFC 316 is still scheduled and that a recent toe injury will not impact his performance.
The champion recently shared a video online showing his right pinky toe swollen after a training session. In the video, he humorously blamed a teammate, asking, “Why you break my toe?” He even jokingly added that he would consider cutting the toe off if necessary. However, speaking on Thursday, Dvalishvili revealed his surprise at the significant reaction the video generated.
“I was surprised by how much reaction there was from people,” Dvalishvili told reporters during a media availability at Syndicate MMA in Las Vegas. “Everybody was freaking out. Guys, it’s nothing. Really, it’s nothing.”
The heightened concern likely stems from a past situation prior to Dvalishvili’s title-winning fight against O’Malley last September. Weeks before that event, Dvalishvili posted a photo of a nasty cut he sustained in training, which prompted UFC CEO Dana White to publicly criticize him as “next-level stupid” for sharing it on social media. Even though that previous cut didn`t stop the fight, White was clearly upset about Dvalishvili making the injury public knowledge.
Dana White has not yet commented on Dvalishvili’s decision to reveal this latest toe injury ahead of the second fight against O’Malley, but it`s plausible his reaction would be similar to the previous incident.
To alleviate concerns and demonstrate the minor nature of the injury, Dvalishvili took a moment to show his foot, highlighting that the toe was already looking much better. He emphasized that he never anticipated the issue affecting his readiness to compete.
He stated, “As you can see, no more black and blue, still a little swollen but it`s fine. I’m walking. It’s just a small pinky toe, it won’t be a problem… like I said, I have nine other toes. I’m good.”
Evidently, Dvalishvili is not worried about the toe injury and appears fully prepared for his upcoming title defense, following his successful prior defense.
The rematch between Dvalishvili and O’Malley is set to headline UFC 316 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, on June 7th. The co-main event will feature Women`s Bantamweight Champion Julianna Peña defending her belt against Kayla Harrison.
