Merab still willing to Fight Cejudo while Injured

Merab Dvalishvili clarified his injury status Wednesday, confirming he’s more than willing to fight Henry Cejudo despite limitations. The mixed martial artist appeared on “The MMA Hour” and declared no problem when asked if he was open to facing the Olympic gold medalist and two-division titleholder in an Aug. 19 showdown in Boston.

Dvalishvili had been Cejudo’s top target since UFC 288, with the former champ calling him out just days after falling short against Aljamain Sterling – a longtime friend and training partner of Dvalishvili – in his comeback bid after a three year retirement.

The Georgia native revealed that he suffered a hand injury two weeks prior to his recent win over Petr Yan at UFC Vegas 71. He already has surgery scheduled for next week but is considering delaying it depending upon what fights are offered next by the promotion. As he explained: “I was scheduled to have it coming up on Monday surgery but just in case I’m going to get a second opinion […] If they give me Cory Sandhagen [in my next fight], I will fight next week or two weeks—I don’t need the surgery.”

Dvalishvili made it clear that while he’s open to fighting other top contenders like Sandhagen, nothing interests him as much as taking on Cejudo; “He’s [Cejudo] a great fighter,” said Dvalishvilil “I was even surprised how good and well he did against Aljo His is a big challenge for me and I like the challenge.” However, given that an August return would require six-eight weeks of rehab before being able to consider his next move, such an matchup appears unlikely now if he goes through with his planned procedure instead delaying it once again at this stage.

Having earned 11 wins during his five years tenure with UFC so far combined with numerous acceptances whenever called upon for duty makes Merab Dvalishvilli very deserving of big title fights like one proposed against Henry Cejudo; however looking back at circumstances surrounding Umar Nurmagomedov’s proposed May 13th headliner doesn’t leave feeling too positive about UFC’s intentions either way given their approach towards making him visit doctor every time refused any request from them resulting in frustration even though understanding why business needs happen made things easier; Still hopeful about getting chance soon enough because of respect for opponents there always remains eagerness from Merab side regardless how things turn out eventually!Although Dvalishvili’s hand injury will require surgery and several weeks of rest and rehabilitation, his willingness to fight Cejudo is clear. Despite the delays that may occur due to the procedure, he is still interested in facing off with Cejudo in an Aug. 19 showdown in Boston. However, given UFC’s approach towards Merab’s previous requests regarding opponents leaves some doubts about whether this matchup might be on cards or not but at least one thing is for sure – Merab’s dedication & commitment towards MMA remains strong as ever and he won’t be backing down anytime soon from any obstacle that comes along his path!.