Merab Dvalishvili got under Henry Cejudo’s skin at the UFC 298 press conference, unveiling a Mexican flag and prompting an ominous threat in return.
The unfurling of the flag was met with a rapturous cheer from the Anaheim crowd as the surging Georgian shouted, “I’m going to make Mexico proud; I’m going to represent [all of] Mexico.”
Already a contentious topic for Cejudo, one that Merab’s teammate and ex-champ Aljamain Sterling exploited in the build-up to their title fight in 2023, the former champion made straight for the jugular in response, claiming “You’re dead” at Thursday’s heated press conference.
Merab Dvalishvili has been on fine form ahead of UFC 298
Over the past 12 months, the MMA community has witnessed the rise of Merab Dvalishvili; not just in terms of his performances and rankings (although both have been impressive), but in his stage presence and comedic character.
Throughout his early journey in the UFC, Merab was often criticized for his lack of personality and marketing material – a far cry from the cheers of thousands that he received this week at the UFC 298 press conference.
When asked if he thought a win over Cejudo would earn him a title shot against the winner of Sean O’Malley vs Marlon Vera at UFC 299, the 16-4 prospect took the opportunity to earn himself a new fanbase:
“That’s going to happen, I’m going to be [the] winner February 17, and I’m going to make Mexican people happy because Mexican people need to represent the Mexican flag.”
“I’m going to make Mexico proud,” he celebrated, “I’m going to represent Mexico on February 17th, let’s go. Henry, I respect you, Henry, but it’s my time.”
On the other side of the table, Henry Cejudo appeared to be uncomfortable at the volume of cheers being directed toward his opponent, claiming “You’re dead, you’re dead” in response to Merab bringing out the Mexican flag.
Earlier this week, Merab made headlines by filming himself with Cejudo’s coach Eric Albarracin, after Cejudo ‘fired’ him in front of the UFC Countdown cameras – albeit later revealed to be a ‘prank’.
Unfortunately, Cejudo’s week might have started with a failed prank, but it could now end in retirement following a rather subdued media day interview.