Georgian bantamweight talent, Merab Dvalishvili continues his role through bantamweight competition tonight on the main card of UFC 278 — defeating former undisputed featherweight champion, Jose Aldo in a unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27) victory.
Dvalishvili, who entered tonight’s main card matchup with Manaus native, Aldo as the #6 ranked contender at 135lbs, promised at least three successful takedowns against the Brazilian, however, was unable to floor the former champion from upward of 12 takedown attempts.
Managing to press forward as Aldo appeared to take his foot off the gas beyond the second round, after landing the opening frame on two of the three judge’s scorecards, the former undisputed featherweight kingpin was unable to really land anything significant other than a couple of leg kicks, paired with knees and a slew of winging hooks to the body.
Questioned about his desire to fight for bantamweight gold next, Dvalishvili distanced himself further from a future matchup against Serra-Longo MMA teammate and current undisputed champion, Aljamain Sterling.
Catch the highlights from Merab Dvalishvili’s decision win over Jose Aldo, below
How do you have it scored through the first 10 minutes?
[ #UFC278 | Live on ESPN+ PPV: https://t.co/1eqEqfIztO ] pic.twitter.com/v4sMl6JLvz
— UFC (@ufc) August 21, 2022
Aldo is not impressed by Merab's performance
#UFC278 pic.twitter.com/89onWtPs7l
— UFC (@ufc) August 21, 2022
To the judges we go – drop those scorecards
[ #UFC278 | Live on ESPN+ PPV: https://t.co/hD8HR6leJq ] pic.twitter.com/Q7diOahvAu
— UFC (@ufc) August 21, 2022
Nothing but respect between Aldo and Dvalishvili
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) August 21, 2022
Make that 7 straight victories for @MerabDvalishvil! #UFC278 pic.twitter.com/Yek3JhiCBt
— UFC (@ufc) August 21, 2022
BY UNANIMOUS DECISION!!