Dana White responses to Merab Dvalishvili fans fight involving UFC 310: “He’s like my little Sean Strickland, except the mouth”

Merab Dvalishvili, a rising star in the UFC bantamweight division, has been making headlines for his fiery personality and recent out-of-the-octagon behavior. The Georgian fighter, known for his tenacity, found himself in hot water after a heated altercation with a fan during UFC 310. The incident has drawn comparisons to former middleweight champion Sean Strickland, though UFC CEO Dana White was quick to highlight the differences.

With disciplinary actions possibly looming, the incident shines a spotlight on Dvalishvili’s temperament and the challenges of managing fighter personalities in a high-pressure sport.

What Happened at UFC 310?

The altercation occurred backstage at UFC 310 after Dvalishvili had cornered teammate Aljamain Sterling in a fight against Movsar Evloev. A verbal exchange with a fan quickly escalated into a physical confrontation. Security intervened, separating Dvalishvili and the fan, while another of Sterling’s coaches also became involved in the scuffle.

Dana White addressed the incident during the post-fight press conference, saying, “He’s my mini-[Sean] Strickland. Without the mouth. You can’t keep fighting with fans. You can do it, but it’s going to cost you a lot of money.”

Because Dvalishvili was licensed as a cornerman for Sterling, the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) may investigate the incident. Previous cases, such as Arman Tsarukyan’s fan altercation at UFC 300, resulted in fines and suspensions, signaling potential consequences for Dvalishvili.

A History of Controversy

This wasn’t Dvalishvili’s first clash with a fan. In August, during the Craig Jones Invitational in Las Vegas, he confronted a heckler by climbing into the audience, further cementing his reputation for heated outbursts. White also noted Dvalishvili’s temper during the UFC 311 kickoff press conference, where the fighter appeared ready to confront another critic in the crowd.

“Merab’s that guy,” White said. “It’s just the way he is. He’s built that way.”

White took preventative measures at UFC 310, seating Dvalishvili and his next opponent, Umar Nurmagomedov, in separate sections of the arena to avoid a potential clash. Despite these precautions, the backstage incident demonstrated how difficult it can be to control such volatile situations.

Dana White on Fighter Mentality

White dismissed the idea that Dvalishvili’s actions were an attempt to avoid his upcoming fight against Nurmagomedov at UFC 311 in January. Instead, White framed the behavior as indicative of the mental makeup of fighters.

“Fighters are a paranoid bunch,” White explained. “There’s always some conspiracy against them… maybe that’s what they need to do to have that mental thing to go out and do what they do.”

This isn’t the first time White has had to navigate such scenarios. He recalled a 2023 altercation involving Sean Strickland and Dricus du Plessis, where poor seating arrangements led to chaos among fans, fighters, and their families. White’s experiences highlight the delicate balance between promoting thrilling events and maintaining order in an emotionally charged sport.

What’s Next for Merab Dvalishvili?

As the UFC 310 fallout continues, Dvalishvili’s actions are under scrutiny by the NSAC, which could impose fines or suspensions. With an important fight against Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 311 fast approaching, the stakes are higher than ever for Dvalishvili, both professionally and personally.

Despite the controversy, Dvalishvili remains a fan favorite for his exciting fighting style and unfiltered personality. However, navigating the fine line between passion and professionalism will be critical for his career moving forward.

The outcome of this incident could set a precedent for how the UFC and regulatory bodies handle fighters’ out-of-the-octagon behavior. For Dana White, it’s just another day in the fight business—a world where adrenaline and conflict often extend far beyond the cage.