Merab Dvalishvili gulps alcohol and starts dancing in Mexican restaurant 15 days out from UFC 306 title fight with Sean O'Malley
Merab Dvalishvili is making headlines ahead of UFC 306, but not in the way that makes fans confident in his chances against bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley. Just a week after raising eyebrows by posting a video of a cut he suffered on his head, Dvalishvili released another clip that was even more concerning.
With just 15 days remaining to UFC 306, 'The Machine' posted a video inside a Mexican bar where he was dancing along to music and downing beer bottles. He followed up his beer by taking what appeared to be a shot of tequila.
It is not clear how much alcohol Dvalishvili drank or when the video was shot, but the clip does not exude confidence in the challenger with roughly two weeks until his first UFC title shot.
The post was released 11 days after his highly criticized Instagram video in which he filmed a doctor examining a cut near his eye. That video was heavily condemned by UFC CEO Dana White, who called the 33-year-old "stupid" for posting it.
Merab Dvalishvili's title fight with Sean O'Malley at UFC 306
After 10 straight wins and six consecutive victories over ranked opponents, Merab Dvalishvili is finally getting his title opportunity at UFC 306 against defending champion Sean O'Malley.
Dvalishvili has essentially been the No. 1 contender in the 135-pound division for over a year but was previously held back by his friend and teammate Aljamain Sterling serving as champion. The two Serra Longo fighters refused to face each other but with O'Malley now the champion, 'The Machine' is getting his long-awaited opportunity.
According to oddsmakers, Dvalishvili is the favorite to become the new champion and extend his current win streak. However, the betting lines are closing in on O'Malley, who could be the favorite by the time Sept. 14 rolls around.