UFC fans were eager to touch Merab Dvalishvili, so they almost took the Bantamweight champion on their way to the Octagon.
Dvalishvili added another impressive title defense to his resume at UFC 316, submitting Sean O’Malley in a mildly anticipated rematch, further establishing himself as an undisputed goat in the division. However, the disaster was mostly struck as the “machine” headed for the cage on Saturday night.
When Dvalishvili emerged from the tunnel, the sea of fans fell on the railing and nearly landed on top of him. Luckily, no one seemed seriously injured, and Dvalishvili headed for the Octagon unharmed.
Asked about the incident in a behind-the-scenes postwar interview, “The Machine” reveals that it is nothing more than an avid fan trying to cover him up.
“It’s not funny because that happened,” Dvalishvili said. “When I walked, people tried to touch me. I jumped and tried to touch. I think they pushed the barrier. They jumped, kicked the head and knocked me out before walking. Anyway, thank God, no one was hurt.
“What was my heart? I know what happened, I’m just a professional. I can’t really help people or do anything about it. I think the fans just love me so much!”
Merab is not the first fighter who sees fans falling in a UFC event
This is not the first time something like this has actually happened at a UFC event. A similar incident occurred during the Mike Marotto strike in Toronto at UFC 289 in June 2023.
UFC CEO Dana White told reporters after the event. “Everyone was hanging on the edge and it collapsed. Everyone was fine. Thank God this time. It was low, not high.”