UFC news: Merab Dvalishvili suffers cut ahead of Sean O’Malley fight

With UFC 306 less than five weeks away, a facial laceration to one of the main event competitors sent a scare through MMA social media Tuesday.

Upcoming UFC bantamweight title challenger Merab Dvalishvili suffered a cut in training and posted the aftermath in videos on his Instagram page shortly thereafter.

Dvalishvili (17-4 MMA, 10-2 UFC) later commented on the post in an attempt to minimize concerns.

“Calm down – its all good- just a little training injury,” Dvalishvili wrote on Instagram. “Never pulled out of a fight – and Never will! I’m coming for you O’Malley – stronger than ever Vamos!”

UFC 306 takes place in 25 days, on Sept. 14, at Sphere in Las Vegas.

Dvalishvili’s initial post was captionless and drew a reaction from O’Malley (18-1 MMA, 10-1 UFC), who wrote, “This little f*ckin rat better not pull out I swear to god,” on X shortly thereafter.

Dvalishvili’s manager, Oren Hodak, of KO Reps, reiterated his client’s message when talking to MMA Junkie on Tuesday and said they do not believe the fight will be impacted.

Hodak later posted a similar message on X, using more floral language.

You think a few stitches 25 days out is going to affect Mexican Merab?
Just need a little salt on the wound….. no suga needed! #ufcsphere #ufcnoche

— KOreps (@ko_reps) August 21, 2024