UFC bantamweight Merab Dvalishvili earned a dominant unanimous decision win over Cody Stamann to start off UFC Vegas 25. The fight lived up to expectations and was a back-and-forth war for the most part. However, ‘The Machine’ made sure to put himself ahead in crucial positions and cruised to a comfortable victory in the end.

Merab Dvalishvili dominated in all aspects of the fight, from designated head strikes to takedowns secured. He secured five takedowns to Stamann’s single takedown and also advanced position following his attempts. Cody Stamann reversed position occasionally, but ultimately fell short.

UFC Fight Night: Merab Dvalishvili declares his intentions

The Georgian fighter spoke to Paul Felder after the victory and made a clear-cut call out when asked what he wanted next. Following his most recent win, Dvalishvili is on a 6-fight win streak. Hence, the fighter has his sights set on a top 5 or top 10 opponent. However, within those ranks, he’s looking for a former champion with a big name, and Dominick Cruz was the fighter on his mind.

“I want to be back soon as possible. Next month, two months, I’m ready if anybody needs me. Top 10, top 5, or anybody. To be honest, I deserve somebody with big name. I have 6 straight wins, I deserve a Dominick Cruz or somebody former champion. Somebody please, I think I deserve it so I’m ready. I’m ready for fight, I’m hungry.”

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Given the way he’s looked inside the cage, it’s becoming hard to deny that Merab Dvalishvili is a top contender. He’s managed to weaponize pace under the bright lights like very few can and produces fan-friendly fights. As it stands, he’s more than likely to secure a big-time match-up in his next.

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The landscape of the bantamweight division lends itself to several exciting fights and Dvalishvili is as game as they come. What’s more, with the title picture in flux at the moment, there’s a good chance for the emergence of a new contender.

What did you make of Dvalishvili’s performance tonight?