Merab Dvalishvili's idea for a wedding gift to Aljamain Sterling has garnered significant attention and sparked reactions from fans.
'The Machine' successfully defended his bantamweight title against Sean O'Malley last Saturday. Due to Sterling's support during his pre-fight training camps, Dvalishvili announced that he plans to give half of his bonus to 'Funk Master'.
Speaking at the post-fight press conference, Dvalishvili said:
"In my training camp, my friend Aljamain Sterling helped me so much... He is getting married. He [doesn't] like sparring much, but he sparred with me three times a week... I'm grateful for my friend Aljamain Sterling, and I [told] him today that I have to split my bonus, give him half."
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Check out Merab Dvalishvili's comments below:
Several fight fans and netizens went to the comments section of @RedCorner_MMA's post on X to share their reactions, with one user writing:
"That's some serious buddy goals, wow!"
Others commented:
"Merab and Aljo is everything I wanted Colby and Masvidal to be…."
"Him and Volk are the only guys I can feel genuinely happy for !!!"
"The real one … money is not a matter for this guy."
"He is a genuine good person, respect Champ!"
Check out more fan reactions below:
![Fans' reaction to Merab Dvalishvili's wedding gift to Aljamain Sterling. [Screenshots courtesy: @RedCorner_MMA on X]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2025/06/0c222-17494441473779-1920.jpg?w=190 190w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2025/06/0c222-17494441473779-1920.jpg?w=720 720w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2025/06/0c222-17494441473779-1920.jpg?w=640 640w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2025/06/0c222-17494441473779-1920.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2025/06/0c222-17494441473779-1920.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2025/06/0c222-17494441473779-1920.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2025/06/0c222-17494441473779-1920.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2025/06/0c222-17494441473779-1920.jpg 1920w)
Merab Dvalishvili eyes next title defense fight against Cory Sandhagen
Merab Dvalishvili is currently on a 13-fight win streak, during which he has also successfully defended his UFC bantamweight title twice.
In the UFC 316 octagon interview with Joe Rogan, Dvalishvili was asked if he would be interested in defending his championship belt against Cory Sandhagen next. In response, 'The Machine' said:
"Oh, I would love to [fight Cory Sandhagen]. First time you [have] put me in [a] position [where] I like the opponent. Cory, I love you, bro... Hey, you are the man. Let's go... Usually, I don't like callouts from here, but he's [the] most deserving guy. He's been here so many times. He's really a good guy. Respectful guy. I like his jokes too."
Check out Merab Dvalishvili's comments below (4:24):