Merab Dvalishvili bows to Dana White for discovering him at "Ring of Combat" event which sparked arduous 14-year journey to UFC championship 

Merab Dvalishvili recently expressed his gratitude to the UFC and Dana White for discovering him at Ring of Combat and giving him an opportunity with the promotion. He noted that it was a big turning point in both his career and life and as he was able to showcase his abilities for the MMA leader.

'The Machine's hard work recently paid off as he earned a unanimous decision win over Sean O'Malley to become the new bantamweight champion last Saturday at Noche UFC 306. It was a significant event as it was the promotion's highest grossing live gate and was the first combat sports event to take place at the Sphere in Las Vegas.

The reigning bantamweight champion took to his X account to publicly thank the UFC CEO and the top brass of the promotion. Dvalishvili mentioned that he was grateful and praised White and Co. for giving him an opportunity to become champion:

"It's been a week since I became the champion. I have been fighting for this goal for the last 14 years, and it seemed so far, difficult and impossible that I still can't believe it. I want to thank Dana White because he didn't find me that amazing night at Ring of Combat, I might not have been a part of @ufc and would have continued my path in another organization."

Check out Merab Dvalishvili's tweet below:

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Merab Dvalishvili insists he won't decline Umar Nurmagomedov a title shot

Following his bantamweight championship win last Saturday at Noche UFC 306, Merab Dvalishvili quickly shut down talks of what bout could be next for him.

'The Machine' was asked about his title win setting the stage for a likely bout against Umar Nurmagomedov, but didn't comment and chose to focus on his win instead. The post-fight interview resulted in many claiming that he is ducking Nurmagomedov, however, the bantamweight champion made it clear that it wasn't his intention.

Dvalishvili took to his X account and clarified that the ongoing discussion regarding a potential bout against Nurmagomedov and insisted that he won't decline a bout against anybody:

"Guys- I hear all of you! I am a company man. Whoever the UFC puts in front of me, I will fight as I always do, even if I don't think they deserve [the] next shot. Let's go"

Check out Merab Dvalishvili's tweet below: