By FCF Staff

Several things have to fall into place before a title fight between Patchy Mix and Merab Dvalishvili could get tabled. But, if and when that happens, the latter says he will agree to face his friend and training partner.

Dvalishvili is preparing to face Sean O’Malley for a second time this weekend at UFC 316, after ending his reign as the bantamweight champ last September. Mix, meanwhile, is set to make his Octagon debut this Saturday, as the former Bellator bantamweight champ will battle Mario Bautista.

During Dvalishvili’s media day this week, the Georgian star was asked if he would be willing to fight Mix, if needed. When Aljamain Sterling was champion of the 135-pound division, both he and Dvalishvili repeatedly said they did not want to fight each other, on account of their friendship (quotes via MMA Fighting.com).

“Patchy Mix is a great fighter,” Dvalishvili said. “Yes, we’re training a lot [together]. He’s one of the best and I respect him. I’m happy for him he’s in the UFC right now. I wish him all the best. It’s good for the UFC, good for the division we have another top fighter in this division. It’s good. He told me he was coming to the UFC and we talked about this and we are cool, we are friends, we are training together.

“It’s not the same as it was between me and Aljo. If the time comes, we will fight each other. It’s nothing personal. He’s fighting for his family, I’m fighting for my family and my team. That’s all good. I wish him good luck in his fight and hopefully I’m going to win this fight against Sean O’Malley and we’ll see from there.”

Dvalishvili (19-4) has fought once since he defeated O’Malley by unanimous decision. In January, he recorded a UD win over Umar Nurmagomedov. The champion has won 12 in a row.

Mix (20-1), meanwhile, hasn’t fought since May, 2024, when he recorded a split decision win over Magomed Magomedov. The American is riding a seven-fight, winning streak.

UFC 316 is taking place at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.