Sergio Ramos reacts to Merab Dvalishvili's historic achievement at Noche UFC 306: "Very happy for you brother"
Following his monumental win over Sean O'Malley in the Noche UFC 306 main event, Merab Dvalishvili has received unanimous support from his fellow Georgians. However, Dvalishvili has also received congratulatory messages from other celebrities, including Spanish footballer Sergio Ramos.
Ramos congratulated Dvalishvili on winning the UFC bantamweight title on his Instagram story, recognizing 'The Machine' for his "discipline." The 38-year-old free agent appeared to be genuinely happy for the Georgian despite having no direct connection to Dvalishvili.
Ramos wrote:
"Very happy for you brother [Merab Dvalishvili]. There are no secrets. Work, discipline and perseverance."
![Sergio Ramos' Instagram story congratulating Merab Dvalishvili. [Image courtesy: @sergioramos on Instagram]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/09/e2aac-17265171640162-1920.jpg?w=500)
While the athletes do not share any direct connection, the two are familiar with each other through UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria. Topuria is of Georgian descent but lives in Spain, thus connecting him to both Dvalishvili and Ramos, both of whom he shares a friendship with.
Dvalishvili's unanimous decision win over O'Malley at Noche UFC 306 made him the ninth different bantamweight champion in promotional history, joining his teammate Aljamain Sterling.
When Merab Dvalishvili and Sergio Ramos swapped jerseys
While Sergio Ramos has not been as supportive of Merab Dvalishvili as he has been of Ilia Topuria, the football star created one of the most memorable crossover moments with the former in May.
Dvalishvili and Ramos met backstage and swapped "jerseys," with 'The Machine' giving the former Sevilla star a custom championship jacket. In turn, Ramos gifted Dvalishvili with a custom football jersey with his No. 4.
Since then, the two have remained in touch and friends in support of each other's professional careers. Ramos is currently seeking his next club as a free agent after spending the 2023-2024 La Liga season with Sevilla.
Before re-signing with Sevilla in 2023, Ramos was best known for his 15-year career with Real Madrid. Even in the latter portion of his career, he is still one of the sport's biggest stars and most recognizable faces.