There are a lot of so-called feuds in mixed martial arts, but rare is the one in which the two fighters intensely dislike each other. Usually, what's at stake in a bout is enough to spur the athletes to peak performance.
And there is plenty at stake for both former bantamweight champion Petr Yan and his rival, Merab Dvalishvili, when they meet Saturday at the Virgin Hotel in Las Vegas in the main event of UFC Vegas 71. The bantamweight division is crowded with elite contenders who want a shot at champion Aljamain Sterling, including former champion Henry Cejudo, Sean O'Malley, Marlon Vera and Cory Sandhagen, among others.
This, though, is one of those rare cases where the fighters actually do not like each other and have a significant personal beef. That should add an edge to what is already shaping up as a fascinating fight to watch.But there was more. He only needed to be nudged just a wee bit to open up and discuss his issues with Yan. Winning the fight is important because of the rankings, but it's also important for numerous personal reasons.
“Petr is a great fighter. He is a former champion. We all know he’s tough. As a fighter, he’s a great fighter. He’s dangerous. He doesn’t have holes anywhere. He’s a good striker. He is a good striker. He defends wrestling good. His cardio is good. This is my toughest fight. And I have other reasons. I think he’s a great fighter, a good family guy, but he’s not a humble guy. He’s not a great human. It doesn’t matter how good of a fighter you are, you have to be a good person.
"I don't think he's a good guy," said Dvalishvili, who is Sterling's friend and teammate."Maybe he is for his family, but other than that, what is he doing?"
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