When Merab Dvalishvili recalled emotional moment meeting Conor McGregor: "I always wanted to tell him thank you"

Before becoming the UFC bantamweight kingpin, Merab Dvalishvili met former UFC double champion Conor McGregor. 'The Machine' also spoke briefly with McGregor and was delighted to see him.

In a few hours from now, at UFC 316, Dvalishvili will look to defend his bantamweight strap for the second time, as he faces former champion Sean O'Malley in a rematch.

Going back to 2023, the Georgian, before beating Petr Yan via unanimous decision, bumped into 'The Notorious' at the UFC PI in Las Vegas. Talking about the meeting, Dvalishvili later said this at the post-fight presser.

"I was so happy to see him because I always wanted to tell him thank you, whatever he did for the sport. He is charismatic and humble. He did tell me he likes my level change and shoot, and he likes my work. That was a big compliment from him."

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Lauding McGregor's fearless persona, 'The Machine' added:

"He is a big star. He is still working hard. After Khabib's fight, I give him even big respect because he showed heart, toughness. He is a warrior, He is such a nice person. He came and took a picture with me and Aljo, and he was nice to us. I met so many famous fighters, champions, and they are all humble. That's how good people are."

Check out Merab Dvalishvili's comments below (3:49):

Conor McGregor reacts to Sean O'Malley's sparring clip ahead of Merab Dvalishvili rematch

While preparing for the Merab Dvalishvili rematch, Sean O'Malley recorded a clip of himself watching UFC 202: Nate Diaz vs. Conor McGregor 2, which 'The Notorious' won by majority decision, to avenge his UFC 196 submission loss to Diaz earlier in 2016.

'Suga,' during a recent sitdown with Israel Adesanya, also lauded the Irishman, saying that more than anyone, he wants to see McGregor return to the UFC and knock someone out.

O'Malley later posted a sparring video of himself recreating a real fight atmosphere in his gym and demonstrating his now-flawless takedown defense and striking ahead of his title-fight rematch against the UFC bantamweight kingpin. The post caught the attention of McGregor, who reacted to it on X, writing:

"Very reminiscent of my Diaz 2 prep. Intriguing! BIG FIGHT FEEL! @ufc"

Check out Conor McGregor's comments below:

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Subham is a dynamic writer and editor at Sportskeeda, with a background in Health and Fitness, MMA, True-Crime, and Pop Culture.
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Edited by Subham