Should top bantamweight Merab Dvalishvili sustain more cuts in the lead-up to major UFC fights, Dana White can expect them to be broadcast across social media.
Dvalishvili is currently gearing up for about as big an assignment possible, with the Georgian scheduled to challenge for Sean O'Malley's title in the main event of Noche UFC at the Sphere next weekend.
But a few weeks out, concern arose when the challenger displayed a worrisome cut sustained to his face during a training session on social media.
While Dvalishvili and his team eventually clarified that the blemish was by no means a threat to his monumental headliner going ahead on September 14, that didn't stop "The Machine" catching the wrath of his boss.
The whole world knows about Merab’s cut. He posted it. Our guys are so dumb, it’s next-level unbelievable,” White said during a DWCS press conference. “All the stuff I talk about boxing, what I will give boxing, is when something happens in a camp, man, let me tell you what, it does not leak. Our guys can’t f*cking wait to throw it up on social media.
It’s a small cut. It’s no big deal. But obviously, it needed to be posted,” White continued. “Why the f*ck would you want him to know that? It is next-level stupid. Some of these guys are so stupid it’s mind-boggling. It’s unbelievable.
Despite that, though, Dvalishvili has no regrets.
Dvalishvili On UFC Backlash For Cut Post: 'It Wasn't A Big Deal'
During a recent interview with Mike Bohn for MMA Junkie, Dvalishvili addressed his post revealing the cut suffered in training and the subsequent reaction from White.
While he noted that upsetting the promotion and its higher-ups is by no means a desire of his, the Georgian contender did suggest that such actions are simply part of who he is as a fighter.
I never regret what I did, you know? I post this because I post everything on my social media. It wasn't a big deal because I had more than three weeks after I got cut," Dvalishvili said. "This cut (had) no effect on my training, my sparring. As you see, I healed up and everything is good.
Yeah, when I see Dana was upset, of course, like, I don't want to upset Dana White and the UFC. But I was very calm and relaxed because it wasn't a big deal," Dvalishvili continued. "I don't regret nothing. This is who I am. This is what I do. This is my life. I am a fighter.
Fortunately, Dvalishvili's confidence regarding the cut's healing time proved not to be misplaced, with the Georgian quickly being able to resume normal training as the lead-up to his first title challenge nears its conclusion.
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