"One of the craziest rounds in a long time" - Shane Burgos, Derek Brunson, and other MMA pros react to Marlon Moraes vs. Merab Dvalishvili UFC 266 thriller
Marlon Moraes and Merab Dvalishvili ended the UFC 266 preliminary card with fireworks.
The instant classic bout saw Dvalishvili pull off one of the most surprising comebacks in recent memory. The Georgian-American survived an early onslaught from Moraes and rallied back to score a TKO victory at the 4:25 mark of the second round.
WHAT. A. COMEBACK 👏
@MerabDvalishvil survived early danger to earn the TKO at #UFC266 https://t.co/cGk0HornD1
Some of the UFC's biggest personalities took to Twitter to express their exhilaration at the barnburner and appreciation towards the fierce competitors. Here's how the pros reacted to the thrilling showdown between Marlon Moraes and Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 266.
Fellow fighters impressed by Marlon Moraes vs. Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 266
Featherweight star Shane Burgos knows a thing or two about putting on exhilarating fights. He believes the first frame of action was one of the best rounds in recent memory. Top middleweight contender Derek Brunson said he was absolutely gobsmacked after witnessing the opening round sequence. Meanwhile, heavyweight Tanner Dozer described the affair as "absolutely nuts."
That was one of the craziest rounds in a longggggg time #UFC266
Still like wowwww on that first round ! #UFC266
This fight is absolutely nuts!! #UFC266
Women's bantamweight standout Raquel Pennington is enjoying UFC 266 after taking care of business last week. 'Rocky' was in awe after seeing Dvalishvili hold on to live another round.
Wow 😮 what a round!!!! #UFC266
Strawweight stalwart Tatiana Suarez expressed her appreciation for both fighters. Meanwhile, flyweight Tim Elliott only had two words to describe how he felt watching the UFC 266 barnburner.
Let’s go! Warriors! #UFC266
Holy shit #UFC266
UFC pros commend Merab Dvalishvili for performance against Marlon Moraes
Merab Dvalishvili impressed several of his contemporaries when he rallied back after absorbing several potential fight-ending shots. Former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman and Burgos said Dvalishvili's display of fortitude is the reason he's called 'The Machine.'
Lived up to his nickname once again🤖 #UFC266
The machine !!!!!!!!!!!!! #ufc266
Merab is a complete beast. Watch this man and tell me what you think…
Up-and-coming bantamweights Adrian Yanez and Randy Costa have nothing but respect for Merab Dvalishvili. Yanez said he was impressed by the Georgian's display of heart while Costa highlighted how relentless Dvalishvili was.
He's got that heart ❤ #UFC266
Merab is relentless af. Wow 🔥🔥
#UFC266
Welterweight contender Belal Muhammad was impressed by Dvalishvili's ability to withstand pressure and his ability to "break" his opponent's will. Meanwhile, former title challenger Marvin Vettori knew Dvalishvili was on the cusp of victory as soon as the first round had ended.
Man merab is such a will breaker
Merab is gonna win this fight!
#UFC266
Such a change of events if moraes knocked him out hes Back now it’s like what’s next
However, Muhammad couldn't help but feel bad for Moraes, who was moments away from winning. The Brazilian is now on a three-fight skid after UFC 266.