Merab Dvalishvili: ''I Have NO Problem with Russian People, I Am Against the Russian Government!''

 

 

 

 

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Публикация, споделена от MMA Pros Pick (@mma.pros.pick)

Former UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili released a detailed video statement addressing recent comments made by UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev. Following his title defense against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330, Makhachev claimed that Dvalishvili was jealous and unhappy with his success in the Octagon.

Dvalishvili firmly denied any personal animosity. "I like Islam Makhachev. I think he’s a great and humble champion," Dvalishvili stated. He explained that his initial frustration was strictly regarding promotion rules. He questioned why the Russian flag was permitted inside the cage when the UFC previously enforced strict regulations against fighters carrying national banners.

The Georgian athlete drew a clear distinction between ordinary citizens and state authorities. "I don't hate Russian people. I hate Russian politics and the Russian government," he explained. Dvalishvili labeled the Kremlin a corrupt dictatorship with zero freedom of speech, noting that anti-government protesters face immediate imprisonment in Russia.

Geopolitical history heavily influenced his emotional response. Dvalishvili highlighted that Russia currently occupies 20 percent of his native country, Georgia. He also cited past Russian military violence in Chechnya and the ongoing war in Ukraine to back his criticisms. Dvalishvili concluded by accusing Russian media outlets of intentionally mistranslating his remarks to protect state narratives.