Merab Dvalishvili has catapulted himself into the conversation for a bantamweight title shot, extending his impressive win streak to 10 straight fights with a unanimous-decision victory over former champion Henry Cejudo in a high-stakes battle at UFC 298.
The event, held at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif., showcased the supremacy of Dvalishvili (17-4 MMA, 10-2 UFC) as he outperformed Cejudo (16-4 MMA, 10-4 UFC) with relentless pressure and a a multifaceted skill set. Dvalishvili’s victory was confirmed by all three judges’ scores of 29-28.
In a pivotal headlining fight for the 135-pound division, Dvalishvili and Cejudo exchanged blows early in the contest, with Cejudo demonstrating the skill that had enabled him to capture titles in two divisions. However, Dvalishvili’s resilience and offensive prowess ultimately turned the tide in his favor.
While Cejudo found success early, cracking Dvalishvili with a hard left hand, it was Dvalishvili who demonstrated superior takedowns and control, in addition to his punishing striking. In the third and final round, Dvalishvili elevated Cejudo and delivered a decisive slam, securing the win and solidifying his status as a legitimate championship contender.
In his post-fight interview, Dvalishvili made it clear that he is prepared to challenge the reigning champion. “I’m ready for 10 rounds,” Dvalishvili declared. “Whoever will be champion, I’m going to face him next. My only goal is for the title now.”
Dvalishvili’s triumphant victory adds to an already impressive resume, which includes wins over former champions Jose Aldo, Petr Yan, and now Cejudo. With his sights set on the bantamweight title, Dvalishvili has displayed the determination and skill necessary to compete at the highest level of the sport.
The event also featured several other compelling matchups, with notable victories from fighters such as Anthony Hernandez, Amanda Lemos, Marcos Rogerio de Lima, and Miranda Maverick. The action-packed card demonstrated the depth of talent within the UFC and showcased the incredible performances of its athletes.
As the dust settles on UFC 298, the landscape of the bantamweight division has been forever altered. Dvalishvili’s tenacity and championship aspirations have cemented his status as a legitimate title contender, and it will be fascinating to see how his journey unfolds in the quest for gold. For more on UFC 298, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub.
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