After chopping down most of the top contenders in the UFC’s bantamweight division, champion Merab Dvalishvili is backing a Canadian’s case to challenge him next.

In speaking to Sportsnet’s Aaron Bronsteter on Tuesday, the Georgian champ mentioned Montreal’s Aiemann Zahabi right away when asked about potential future fights for the 135-pound title, saying “I think my next challenge could be Zahabi, he’s coming off a long win streak … that would make a good fight.

“He’s a warrior, I think he has a lot of experience. He fights until the end. He’s a new style, new opponent and new challenge. That’s why I’m interested.”

Zahabi has won seven consecutive bouts, dating back to a first-round KO win over Drako Rodriquez in 2021.

The 38-year-old punctuated that run with a pair of impressive victo

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