Future UFC Hall of Famer Dominick Cruz offered an intriguing perspective on Merab Dvalishvili`s standing in the discussion for the greatest bantamweight of all time.
UFC Bantamweight Champion Merab Dvalishvili has the opportunity at UFC 316 this weekend to not only settle a significant rivalry but also to further enhance his impressive fighting resume.
This Saturday in Newark, Dvalishvili is scheduled to face Sean O’Malley in a highly anticipated rematch. Having recently defended his bantamweight title, Dvalishvili is making a rapid turnaround to step back into the Octagon against O`Malley.
Leading up to UFC 316, there has been much discussion regarding Dvalishvili`s potential all-time legacy within the UFC`s bantamweight division. A victory on Saturday could move him considerably closer to being regarded as the division`s greatest ever fighter.
Dominick Cruz Weighs In on Merab Dvalishvili’s GOAT Case Ahead of UFC 316
Dominick Cruz, who retired earlier this year, is widely considered by many to be the greatest bantamweight fighter in history. However, Dvalishvili is currently presenting a compelling argument to be included in that conversation.
During a recent appearance on The Bohnfire podcast, Cruz shared his thoughts on the bantamweight GOAT debate, which now frequently involves himself and Dvalishvili.
“The fact that there’s even a conversation with me involved, it’s not for me to decide something like that,” Cruz stated regarding Dvalishvili`s potential GOAT status. He then drew a parallel: “I’m not saying it’s this exact level, but as a comparison you’re talking about LeBron [James] and [Michael] Jordan, right?
“You’re never going to convince me ever, ever — no matter what, under any circumstance —that LeBron is better than Jordan,” Cruz continued, expressing his personal view. “To me. But, then you got the latter that’s going to say the opposite. I love that there’s even a conversation. If there’s a conversation, then that’s what this thing is about – and you know what? Merab is making it a conversation, too. Good for him.”
Cruz went on to detail why he believes Dvalishvili belongs in the bantamweight GOAT conversation, even after only one successful title defense.
“This fighter has run through the ranks,” Cruz explained. “This fighter has had to fight up and down the ladder exactly the same way that I did. I had to fight my way through the hardest fights in the division, multiple rematches, before I got my opportunities. I had to earn every victory, and I see that similarity in Merab’s fights. I acknowledge his accomplishment.”
While Dvalishvili still has progress to make to match Cruz’s various bantamweight achievements, a win this weekend would certainly place him firmly on a path to potentially surpass the legendary fighter. Dvalishvili heads into UFC 316 riding an impressive 12-fight winning streak, including recent significant victories over Umar Nurmagomedov and Henry Cejudo.
Sean O’Malley’s GOAT Case Made Ahead of Merab Dvalishvili Rematch
In addition to the focus on Dvalishvili’s GOAT considerations, Sean O’Malley is also gaining attention ahead of UFC 316. UFC legend Chael Sonnen recently proposed that O’Malley should be considered the greatest bantamweight of all-time if he achieves a victory over Dvalishvili this weekend.
Prior to his upcoming bout against Dvalishvili, O’Malley captured the UFC bantamweight title by knocking out Aljamain Sterling and then defended the belt against Marlon Vera. UFC 316 represents O’Malley’s return to the Octagon for this crucial matchup.
There is a significant amount at stake this weekend in the rematch between Dvalishvili and O’Malley. The winner will undoubtedly add substantial weight to their resume and solidify their legacies in the sport.
Gareth Pendleton