Sean Shelby's Shoes: What's next for new champ Merab Dvalishvili after UFC 306?
(ALSO SEE: Sean Shelby’s Shoes: What’s next for Sean O’Malley after UFC 306 title loss?)
Merab Dvalishvili started a new chapter in bantamweight history Saturday when he claimed the title from Sean O’Malley in a one-sided UFC 306 main event.
Dvalishvili (18-4 MMA, 11-2 UFC) made his record-setting 10th consecutive win at 135 pounds the biggest one yet and used his superior grappling to shut down O’Malley (18-2 MMA, 10-2 UFC) over five rounds for a unanimous decision to claim gold at Sphere in Las Vegas.
It appears the UFC already has decided on whom it wants to be first up to challenge Dvalishvili. Undefeated contender Umar Nurmagomedov was shown on the broadcast after the belt was wrapped around Dvalishvili, and all signs point to him being next.
Is it the right fight to make, though? Watch the video above for thoughts and analysis on Dvalishvili’s future after his UFC 306 title win.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 306.