Merab Dvalishvili says his criticism after Islam Makhachev‘s latest win was never aimed personally at the champion.
Dvalishvili issued a detailed clarification after Makhachev responded to footage of the Georgian fighter reacting to a Russian flag being carried inside the Octagon. He opened by praising Makhachev’s character, career and performance.
I like Islam Makhachev. I think he’s a great and humble champion. I respect all the hard work he’s put into his career, and I have nothing but respect for him.
I congratulated Islam after the fight. I also congratulated him on my social media.
Dvalishvili Explains The Flag Reaction
Dvalishvili said the flag upset him because he had not been permitted to carry Georgian and American flags during his own title fights. He then separated his feelings about Russian state policy from his view of Russian citizens.
When I saw his team bring the Russian flag into the Octagon, I was upset. I thought they’re not allowed to have a flag there, bro. They don’t let me use the flag.
During all five of my UFC title fights, I was never allowed to bring my Georgian and American flag into the cage.
I also want to make one thing very clear: I don’t hate Russian people. I hate Russian politics and Russian government. My problem is with the government and its actions, not with ordinary Russian people.
He connected that response to Georgia’s history with Russia and said the subject carries personal weight for Georgian people. Dvalishvili also spoke about the distinct cultures and identities found across the Caucasus.
Russia occupies around 20 percent of Georgia, and there has been a history of war, occupation and suffering against my Georgian people.
For me, people of the Caucasus—Dagestan, Chechnya, Ingushetia and other parts of the region—have their own identities, cultures, history. I respect people of the Caucasus.
‘This Was Never About Islam Personally’
Dvalishvili closed by accepting Makhachev’s description of Dagestan as part of Russia while maintaining that his original reaction concerned the flag and government rather than the fighter.
I said he’s from Dagestan, but he represents the Russian flag. I understand. Islam said, ‘No, we are part of Russia,’ so I understand. Again, this was never about Islam personally.
The clarification follows MiddleEasy’s coverage of Dvalishvili’s original flag criticism, his account of the RAF Georgia altercation, and Umar Nurmagomedov’s description of their feud.
