The 2024 season has officially ended for the Las Vegas Raiders after they succumbed to a 34-20 loss against the Los Angeles Chargers. With a record of 4-13, it was a season that fans would definitely like to forget. However, not everything was bad at the Allegiant Stadium, as fight fans got to see UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili and former UFC light heavyweight Jiri Prochazka join fans in supporting their favorite team.

In fact, taking to his Instagram, ‘The Machine’ thanked the Las Vegas Raiders for the opportunity to let them show their support to the team. Sharing several pictures of himself enjoying the sport, he wrote in the caption, “Thanks @ufc & @wynnfieldclub for the opportunity to support our home team @raiders. We had a great time! 🏈🦾” However, he could be a little disappointed at seeing his team lose the match.

Irrespective of the outcome of last night, the Georgian fighter is optimistic about his bout against Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 311. As he revealed in his New Year’s resolution, Dvalishvili aims to live up to his nickname in 2025. During an interview that was uploaded to the UFC’s YouTube channel, the UFC bantamweight champion stated that he would want four title defenses this year. Not just that, he wants three to be in the first two quarters of 2025.

He said, “I want to be busy in 2025. I’m fighting early, on January 18, and I wanna be busy. I know (Sean) O’Malley wants to come back in April; I think Petr (Yan) will be ready in March. So, maybe fight Petr in March, rematch Sean in April. And whoever is the next contender, I will clear the division again.” But it seems like he has already lost major fan support even before his very first fight of the year with this NFL appearance.

Merab Dvalishvili loses fan support due to his NFL preference

As soon as the UFC bantamweight champion uploaded the post on his Instagram, many fans were quick to turn their backs on the UFC fighter. Celebrities prefer not to reveal their preferences because it often causes a rift between them and their fans, as one’s opinion might greatly differ from the other’s. A similar situation was created when Merab Dvalishvili revealed himself to be a Las Vegas Raiders fan.

Many supporters who preferred other teams quickly let the Georgian know that he has lost their support as they wrote in the comments, “Even champs make bad decisions like rooting for the Raiders,” “A Raiders jersey? I hope you lose,” “Now I really wish he loses,” and “Not the Raiders.  🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️.” Some fans teased the Georgian about not picking a fight against fans in the arena. For the unaware, this was a reference to his clash with a fan at a UFC PPV that made headlines for all the wrong reasons. While Dvalishvili then claimed that Umar Nurmagomedov sent the man to create such a nuisance, it was already too late.

Taking to the comments, some fans poked fun at the champion by writing, “Be aware of Umar fans again,” and “You didn’t fight someone in the crowd?” However, not every fan was against ‘The Machine.’ Several other people became new fans of the fighter or started respecting him more after he showed his support for the Raiders. Praising this, the fans shared, “Even more reason to love ya, Merab!!!” “The champ keeps setting the standard! 🦾” and “At least he’s a Raiders fan 👍” But what do you think? Do you accept Merab Dvalishvili and Jiri Prochazka as a Las Vegas Raiders fan? Let us know in the comments.