Merab Dvalishvili Upset Over UFC’s Flag Rules for Islam Makhachev

Following the UFC 330 main event, there has been a lot of talk regarding Islam Makhachev and Ian Garry. While most of them have been centered around the fight, Merab Dvalishvili has caught one particular anomaly that should not have happened, according to him. 

Merab Dvalishvili Baffled at Islam Makhachev Displaying Russian Flag

After a gruelling 5 rounds, Makhachev was declared the winner by unanimous decision. Soon, as the celebrations followed, members of Dagestan’s team came in and joined the happy vibe. During this time, Khabib Nurmagomedov gave Makhachev both his belts. Furthermore, one of the team members also wrapped a Russian flag around Makhachev. 

This was what caught Dvalishvili’s eye. Taking note of the same, the former UFC champion questioned how the Russian flag was allowed inside the octagon. In a video circulating online, Dvalishvili could be seen watching the bout sitting beside Nina Drama. He fumed that the UFC did not let him bring the Georgian flag. 

 Dvalishvili said, “I thought they're not allowed to have a flag there, bro. They don't let me use the flag. Now they are, this flag is banned. This flag is banned everywhere in the world. And only, of course, they show it here in UFC.”

Currently, there is no official word from the UFC about the same. Meanwhile, putting aside his frustration, the former bantamweight champion will now look to get his revenge and get the title back from Petr Yan. 

Merab Dvalishvili Booked for Trilogy Fight Against Petr Yan

During the UFC 330 broadcast, the promotion dropped a huge announcement for the Georgian fighter. Come October 24, Dvalishvili will be going one-on-one against Yan for the third time in his career. In the previous two meetings, both fighters have shared one win each. 

However, the last time they met at UFC 323, Yan had the upper hand. Fighting for the title, Dvalishvili lost the bout via decision and, in turn, had to give up his championship status.