Dana White reacts to Merab Dvalishvili’s impressive performance in win over Henry Cejudo at UFC 298: “He did what he had to do”

UFC CEO Dana White has shared his reaction to the performance put forth by Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 298.

This past Saturday night, Dvalishvili and former two-division UFC champion Henry Cejudo shared the Octagon. Merab’s relentless pace helped him earn a unanimous decision victory. It was an impressive showing for Merab, who one would think has just earned a UFC Bantamweight Championship opportunity.

Dana was impressed by Merab’s ability to take over down the stretch.

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Dana White Heaps Praise On Merab Dvalishvili Following UFC 298

During the UFC 298 post-fight press conference, Dana White shared his take on the performance of Merab Dvalishvili, as well as what he thinks of Henry Cejudo’s inactivity followed by two straight losses (via MMAJunkie).

“He looked good tonight, man,” White said at a post-event news conference. “He did what he had (to do). In my opinion, you can’t take three years off in a combat sport. It’s never done well for anybody. Cejudo looked great in the first round. I thought he started to gas out in the second round. Merab just got stronger as the fight went on.”

It certainly seems like Merab is in prime position to challenge for the winner of the UFC 299 main event between bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley and Marlon “Chito” Vera. O’Malley was in the crowd for UFC 298, and a side-by-side of Merab and O’Malley was shown. So, it appears the UFC may be planning that one if “Suga” emerges victorious next month.

Merab is currently riding a 10-fight winning streak. He hasn’t lost a fight since 2018. While Dvalishvili isn’t known for being a finisher, he does know how to outwork his opponents, and has made himself quite entertaining both inside the Octagon and outside. Could we be looking at a future UFC bantamweight champion?