Merab Dvalishvili is assuring everyone that his upcoming challenge for Sean O’Malley’s title at UFC 316 is still on, and a recent toe injury won`t throw him off his game or preparation.
The top UFC bantamweight contender recently posted a video showing the pinky toe on his right foot was swollen after a training session. In the video, he jokingly blamed a teammate, asking, “Why you break my toe?” He even lightheartedly suggested cutting the toe off if necessary. Speaking on Thursday, Dvalishvili expressed surprise at the significant attention the post received.
“I was surprised at how much reaction there was from people reacting,” Dvalishvili commented during a media availability in Las Vegas. “Everybody was like [freaking out]. Guys, it’s nothing. Really, it’s nothing.”
The level of concern shown by fans and media likely stems from a past incident where Dvalishvili revealed a more significant injury prior to a previous fight (referencing his cut before the Henry Cejudo bout). Weeks before that event, Dvalishvili shared a photo of a nasty cut he suffered in training, which prompted UFC CEO Dana White to publicly call him “next-level stupid” for posting it on social media. While the cut didn`t prevent him from fighting, White still criticized Dvalishvili for making such information public.
This time around, White has not yet commented on Dvalishvili’s decision to show his toe injury ahead of the O`Malley fight, but it`s safe to assume his reaction might be similar to the previous occasion.
Dvalishvili even took a moment during the media session to show off his foot, demonstrating that the toe was already looking better. He reiterated that he never expected the minor injury to affect his performance.
“As you guys see, no more black and blue, still a little fat but it’s good,” Dvalishvili stated. “As you see, I’m walking. It’s a little pinky toe, it won’t be any problem. … like I said, I have nine other toes. I’m good.”
Clearly, Dvalishvili isn`t worried about the toe issue and appears fully ready for his highly anticipated title fight against Sean O`Malley.
The main event of UFC 316, scheduled for June 7th at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., features Merab Dvalishvili challenging Sean O’Malley for the UFC Bantamweight Championship. The co-main event will see Julianna Peña defending her Women`s Bantamweight title against Kayla Harrison.
