Many have been Merab Dvalishvili the largest bantamweight of all time after UFC 316, but not this former opponent.
Dvalishvili is rapidly approaching opportunities to establish championship records in the 135 pound division after the continuation of his title line this year.
After Dvalishvili Umar Nurmagomedov beat UFC 311 to defend his belt for the first time, he ran back with the man whose 'the machine' took the gold, Sean O'Malley.
At UFC 316 in early June, DvalishHvili O'Malley submitted to put an exclamation mark on his superiority about 'Sugar', as a result of which his recordwin streak in the division was extended to 12 in the process.
However, that series of victories came close to the termination of only six fights.
Marlon Moraes says that Merab Dvalishvili is no bigger than TJ Dillashaw and Dominick Cruz
At UFC 266 in 2021, Marlon Moraes seemed to be set up to finish Dvalishvili after dropping the Georgian high point halfway through the first round. But 'The Machine' gathered and came back to hit the Brazilian on the way to a bonus after the fight.
Moraes is well placed to wage war with the champion in the cage and is well placed to judge the undefeated Run of Dvalishvili since then.
But although many have claimed that it is worth the goat status at 135 pounds, 'magical' does not agree.
“I don't think he is (the best Bantamweight of all time),” Moraes told Home of Fight.
“To be honest, he is no better than boys like TJ Dillashaw and Dominick Cruz … (they are) in my opinion for him.”
Merab Dvalishvili rejected his own goat claim
Dvalishvili does not need Moraes to trivialize his goat references because he has already done that himself.
During his press conference after the fight on UFC 316, Dvalishvili rejected suggestions that his second victory over O'Malley confirmed him in the first place in the debate.
In contrast to Moraes, 'the machine' has not nominated Dillashaw or Cruz instead.
“Thank you very much. I will say again, this means a lot for me to even mention my name,” said Dvalishvili. “That is up to you to say that if I am there or not.
“Aljamain Sterling always defeated me, still beats me (in the gym). How many victories do you have aljo in the UFC? 20-Someth win in the UFC. He defeated many good guys. He is the goat.
“He has many fights in the UFC, many wins. He has been a great champion and he hit my ass, so he's the best.”
Sterling enjoyed a record -breaking rule after a controversial disqualification against Petr Yan won the title.
'Funk Master' gained the most successive defense of every champion in the division by beating Yan in a rematch, as well as TJ Dillashaw and Henry Cejudo.