Merab Dvalishvili gets 100% real about potential featherweight move, explains disinterest in Alexander Volkanovski fight: "I'm comfortable"

Merab Dvalishvili offered his thoughts on a potential matchup with Alexander Volkanovski for the featherweight title. Dvalishvili lauded Volkanovski's legacy in the promotion. However, the reigning bantamweight champion is more focused on his division rather than moving up to pursue a second belt.

Dvalishvili and Volkanovski were in the audience when Ilia Topuria, who they both know well, defeated Charles Oliveira to become the new undisputed lightweight champion at UFC 317 on Saturday.

In a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Dvalishvili discussed meeting Volkanovski. Despite praising Volkanovski's skills inside the cage, 'The Machine' was reluctant to challenge the Australian for the 145-pound belt.

''[Volkanovski] used to be like a hero for me and he still is but now we are friends...I'm not planning to go to his division...Right now, I'm comfortable. I want to clean out my division. I don't wanna chase too much. I'm good. I wanna defend my belt. I'm comfortable here for now. If later, if I really beat everybody, then yes, maybe I will take some super fights or maybe I will go for the second belt, but like I said, I have so much respect for Volkanovski, for now, I don't want to deal him."

Check out Merab Dvalishvili's comments below:

Dvalishvili made his second 135-pound title defense in a rematch against former champion Sean O'Malley at UFC 316 last month. The Georgian submitted O'Malley in the third round and is now expected to take on Cory Sandhagen.

Meanwhile, Volkanovski became a two-time featherweight champion at UFC 314 after defeating Diego Lopes by unanimous decision. According to multiple reports, 'The Great' will begin his second title reign with a rematch against Yair Rodriguez.

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Cory Sandhagen lays out his game plan for Merab Dvalishvili

Cory Sandhagen attended UFC 316, where Merab Dvalishvili defeated Sean O'Malley. Following his victory, Dvalishvili voiced his desire to face Sandhagen next.

In a recent appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Sandhagen acknowledged Dvalishvili's constant pressure inside the octagon. However, the American is confident in his ability to dethrone the Georgian.

''Approaching Merab is going to be unique in its own way...I’ve really bought into this idea where if I can go out and be the best martial artist that there is, in all areas, be able to wrestle with him, strike, grapple with him, if I can be that, I can do it....Merab has this narrative buzz around him when he’s an unbeatable force of nature...that’s true to an extent, that doesn’t mean anything to the fact that the guy can’t be beaten''

Check out Cory Sandhagen's comments below (2:29:58):