Exciting news for UFC fans! Former double champion Henry Cejudo is set to take on Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 298 on February 17th in Anaheim, California. Sources have confirmed this thrilling matchup to ESPN.
In a recent YouTube video, Cejudo himself discussed the upcoming fight, generating even more anticipation among fans. While no official documents have been signed or bout agreements received, both fighters have verbally agreed to the bout.
Dvalishvili, ranked No. 3 by ESPN, is known for his exceptional wrestling skills and is considered one of the best in the division. On the other hand, Cejudo, ranked No. 4, is a former freestyle wrestling Olympic gold medalist, adding a fascinating dynamic to the matchup.
Cejudo, who holds the impressive record of being one of the four fighters to simultaneously hold two UFC divisional titles, has previously won both the flyweight and bantamweight belts. The California native, currently residing and training in Arizona, is coming off a close split-decision loss to Aljamain Sterling, Dvalishvili's teammate, at UFC 288 in May. It was Cejudo's first fight in three years, as he had previously retired in 2020.
Dvalishvili, with a remarkable nine consecutive victories under his belt, including eight at bantamweight, holds the second-longest streak in the division's history. Originally from the Republic of Georgia, Dvalishvili trains in New York and Las Vegas. He also holds the record for the most takedowns landed in UFC bantamweight history, with an impressive count of 61. In March, Dvalishvili secured a unanimous decision win over former bantamweight champion Petr Yan.
UFC 298 will be headlined by a featherweight title fight between champion Alexander Volkanovski and challenger Ilia Topuria. However, all eyes will surely be on the electrifying clash between Cejudo and Dvalishvili, as two of the top-ranked fighters in the world at 135 pounds go head-to-head.
Make sure to mark your calendars for February 17th and don't miss the action-packed event that is UFC 298!
