TJ Dillashaw, the former UFC champion, has stirred up excitement among fans by suggesting a potential showdown between current UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili and his close friend Aljamain Sterling. Despite their long-standing friendship and training partnership, Dillashaw believes a fight between the two would be thrilling and financially beneficial.
Merab Dvalishvili has established himself as a dominant force in the bantamweight division, displaying relentless skill and determination in the octagon. Recently, Dvalishvili has been on a remarkable winning streak, taking down notable fighters with ease. His next fight is expected to be against Cory Sandhagen, another prominent contender in the bantamweight division.
On the other hand, Aljamain Sterling, a former bantamweight champion himself, is currently competing in the featherweight division. Although both fighters have achieved significant success in their careers, their friendship complicates the idea of a potential match. Dillashaw, however, sees the opportunity for an exciting narrative within the sport.
During a recent appearance on the Jaxxon Podcast, Dillashaw expressed his desire to see Dvalishvili and Sterling face off. He stated, “I want to see Merab and Sterling fight. They could make so much money. I understand they’re best friends, but you’re getting paid, who gives a s—? Sterling should come back down… I think it’d be an awesome story.”
Dillashaw’s comments indicate not only a belief in the marketability of this matchup but also a recognition of the potential drama involved when friends enter the octagon as opponents. The dynamics between Dvalishvili and Sterling could add layers of intrigue and narrative to the fight, drawing in audiences who crave compelling storylines in sports.
Despite Dillashaw's enthusiasm, the reality of a fight between Dvalishvili and Sterling remains uncertain. Their strong friendship has been a significant part of both fighters’ journeys, and fans question whether they would be willing to compromise that bond for a high-stakes bout. The relationship between these two talented athletes could be strained by the pressures and competitiveness of a fight, making the prospect seem less appealing for both friends.
Furthermore, Aljamain Sterling is actively pursuing a career in the featherweight division, which complicates the idea of him dropping back down to bantamweight for this high-profile clash. He has been focused on proving himself in a new weight class, leaving little room for a return to bantamweight, especially against a friend.
While Dillashaw's suggestion to pit Dvalishvili against Sterling has generated buzz in the MMA community, many fans and analysts believe it is unlikely to come to fruition. The mutual respect and camaraderie shared between these fighters make it hard to envision them as adversaries in the octagon. Moreover, a fight with this emotional weight could detract from their individual aspirations, leading some to feel it is unnecessary.
Ultimately, the idea of Merab Dvalishvili and Aljamain Sterling fighting each other captures the imagination of many. However, the friendship and careers of both fighters take priority. While Dillashaw's insights bring an entertaining angle to discussions about future matchups in the UFC, the reality is that their paths might not cross in the octagon — at least not anytime soon. Fans will have to stay tuned as both fighters continue their journeys in MMA, each aiming to solidify their legacies in their respective divisions.
