Merab Dvalishvili Clears the Air With Islam Makhachev Over Russian Flag Controversy

Merab Dvalishvili Clears the Air With Islam Makhachev Over Russian Flag Controversy

Merab Dvalishvili has clarified that he holds no animosity toward Islam Makhachev despite recent tension between the two UFC champions. Dvalishvili said his reaction following Makhachev’s UFC 330 victory was directed at the Russian flag brought into the Octagon by Makhachev’s team, rather than at the welterweight champion himself.

The former bantamweight champion explained that the issue is personal because of Russia’s history of conflict and occupation involving Georgia. Dvalishvili stressed that he respects Makhachev and does not hate Russian people, saying his criticism is aimed at the Russian government and its policies. He also pointed to the fact that he was not allowed to bring Georgian or American flags into the Octagon during his UFC title fights.

Dvalishvili’s comments come as tensions continue to grow between his camp and the Dagestani fighters, with Umar Nurmagomedov previously suggesting their rivalry had become personal.

However, Dvalishvili insisted that his disagreement with Makhachev is being misunderstood, accusing Russian media of presenting his remarks in a misleading way.