Surging Georgian bantamweight Merab Dvalishvili will get a solid step up in competition at UFC 252. That will come in the form of former flyweight title challenger John Dodson. The pair have been added to the card just a month out from the event, which takes place August 15 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
MMA Junkie was first to report the match-up. Dvalishvili later confirmed the fight on social media.
Dvalishvili (11-4) is currently on a four-fight win streak inside the octagon. All four of those wins have been relatively one-sided, with Merab winning a unanimous decision in each. Among those wins, the 29-year old has defeated TUF winner Brad Katona, and Casey Kenney.
He has not, however, tangoed with anyone on the level of John Dodson (21-11) thus far. “The Magician” twice challenged for flyweight gold against Demetrious Johnson before moving up to the 135lb weight class. He’s had a rocky go since his second title challenge, compiling a record of 4-4 since that 2015 fight. However, he will enter the fight against Dvalishvili off a win over Nathaniel Wood.
Dodson holds notable wins over Pedro Munhoz and Eddie Wineland at 135lbs.
UFC 252 is set to be headlined by the rubber match in the Stipe Miocic vs. Daniel Cormier trilogy.
