Merab Dvalishvili (image via UFC/YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Following the news that Sean O’Malley is in need of a new, UFC 264 opponent, Merab Dvalishvili is making the case for why the UFC should tap him for the fight.

O’Malley was scheduled to fight Louis Smolka at the July 10 card. But, recently it was reported the latter has withdrawn due to an undisclosed injury. The UFC is reportedly looking for a new opponent for O’Malley.

Since then, Dvalishvili spoke with MMA Junkie, and he outlined why he thinks a bout with O’Malley makes sense.

“Sure, I’m in here in Vegas training hard, and I always love to take fights. I’ve been mentioning Sean O’Malley’s name for three years already, so I would love to fight him. He’s a great fighter, and it makes me excited to fight him, so if he wants to fight with me, I’m ready.”

“…I heard so many guys want to fight him, but I have a name, I’m top 10 (in the UFC rankings),” Dvalishvili said. “It’s Conor McGregor’s fight card, so they need a big name, I guess, because they don’t want a debut guy. I think I have a big name, I’m top 10. If I’m him, I’d take my fight because I’m top 10.”

Dvalishvili (13-4), who has won six straight, is currently booked to fight Marlon Moraes on September 25. The Georgian fighter is currently ranked #10 in the UFC’s bantamweight division.