Merab Dvalishvili Reveals Conor McGregor Training Request
Merab Dvalishvili, the UFC bantamweight champion, made headlines when he talked about a surprising call from Conor McGregor on the Full Send Podcast. Merab Dvalishvili was in China when the Irish superstar called him on FaceTime and asked if they could train together before McGregor’s long-awaited return to the UFC.
- Merab Dvalishvili Reveals Conor McGregor Training Request
- Conor McGregor’s Planned White House UFC Return in 2026
- Merab Dvalishvili Prepares for UFC 320 Title Defense
- Fighting Until 50: Dvalishvili’s Long-Term Goal
- Merab Dvalishvili Calls Out Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Legacy
- Rivalry With Umar Nurmagomedov Still Simmering
Although focused on his own fight schedule, Dvalishvili said he would be open to training with McGregor once his title defense is behind him. “Let’s go, Conor. I would like to train with you”, Merab said, hinting at a possible collaboration between two UFC legends.
Conor McGregor’s Planned White House UFC Return in 2026
The training request is linked directly to McGregor’s rumoured return. UFC CEO Dana White has announced preparations for a major UFC event at the White House on July 4, 2026, as part of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations. McGregor has expressed a desire to fight on that card, which would mark one of the most significant events in UFC history.
If Merab joins McGregor in training, people may witness an unlikely partnership between the reigning bantamweight champion and the sport’s most famous celebrity, raising hype for what could be the UFC’s greatest event ever.
Merab Dvalishvili Prepares for UFC 320 Title Defense
Before anything with McGregor happens, Merab Dvalishvili vs. Cory Sandhagen is scheduled for UFC 320 on October 4, 2025. The Georgian champion stated on the podcast that he is focused on retaining his belt, but he also expressed a desire to remain active at the same time.
Dvalishvili stated that if he wins, he hopes to fight again before the end of the year, mentioning Petr Yan. This demonstrates the champion’s desire to solidify his legacy by defending his title several times every year, which is unfortunately not very common in modern MMA.
Fighting Until 50: Dvalishvili’s Long-Term Goal
One of the most unexpected moments from the podcast was Dvalishvili’s desire to compete until he is 50 years old. At 34, he understands how unlikely it is, but he still expressed the desire. “I am 34 now. “Sixteen more years as champion, it’s impossible,” he admitted while laughing.
Even if the aim is unattainable, it shows the unwavering determination that has pushed him to the ranks of the UFC’s finest champions.
Merab Dvalishvili Calls Out Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Legacy
The Full Send Podcast additionally enabled Dvalishvili to discuss Khabib Nurmagomedov and Dagestani fighters. After defeating Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 311, Merab made news by claiming Khabib had “never met a worthy opponent.” He reaffirmed on the show that, while Dagestani fighters are powerful, they are still “ordinary people” who can be defeated.
He also rejected Khabib’s claims that the UFC forced him to fight Umar, stating that the fight was something that he accepted and proved himself in. These remarks stirred debate, but they also demonstrated Merab’s willingness to challenge credibility, even against one of MMA’s most admired legends.
Rivalry With Umar Nurmagomedov Still Simmering
When the topic of a potential rematch with Umar came up, Dvalishvili did not mince his words. He swore that if they fought again, he would “beat the sh*t out of him.” He reminded that he won their first fight despite suffering a back problem and a leg infection.
By addressing Umar directly, Dvalishvili has positioned himself as the actual barrier to Nurmagomedov’s bantamweight ambitions.
Watch the full podcast below!
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