Merab Dvalishvili humorously likened influencer Nina Drama`s reaction during a training takedown to that of a former two-division UFC champion he defeated on his path to securing his world title.
The reigning bantamweight champion is currently preparing for his upcoming title defense against former titleholder Sean O’Malley at UFC 316, scheduled for next weekend. In preparation, O’Malley has reportedly gone to great lengths, including training with notable figures and abstaining from social media and other distractions.
Dvalishvili, on the other hand, has faced challenges in his camp, dealing with broken toes and other issues, alongside admitted struggles with motivation. Despite this, he appeared in good spirits and form during a filming session where he hosted influencer Nina Drama at his gym.
Dvalishvili Makes Comical Comparison Between Henry Cejudo and Nina Drama in Gym Video
In a video recently uploaded to Nina Drama’s YouTube channel, the controversial influencer paid a visit to Merab Dvalishvili at the training facility. She participated in what was described as a ‘sparring session’, which included a moment where Dvalishvili took her down, resulting in her briefly being dropped on her head.
Dvalishvili demonstrated the technique he famously used to carry Henry Cejudo across the octagon during their bout at UFC 298, which was notably attended by Mark Zuckerberg. Following the takedown, when he inquired about how the social media personality felt, he somehow managed to draw a comparison between her experience and Cejudo`s.
“She got scared,” Dvalishvili observed. He then asked Drama how she felt while being held on his shoulder. Upon her reply that she was ‘terrified’, he jokingly responded, “That’s how Henry Cejudo was feeling when I was holding him.”
Merab Dvalishvili Expresses Motivation Challenges Ahead of UFC 316
Despite Sean O’Malley`s differing opinion, there is a widespread belief that Merab Dvalishvili not only won their first encounter but did so convincingly. Consequently, the enthusiasm for a rematch without the former champion first earning another victory is somewhat limited.
Even the champion acknowledges this sentiment. Speaking with Michael Bisping on the BYM podcast recently, Dvalishvili admitted that finding peak motivation for the upcoming fight is proving difficult. “In my professional career this is my first rematch,” Dvalishvili stated. “In Georgia I was fighting pro rules but those fights are not on my official record.
“So I had a rematch before at the beginning of my career. And that doesn’t count because I was so new to the game. Now, it’s the first rematch of my professional career. To be honest with you, I already beat him and it’s hard to get 100 per cent motivated, you know?”
