UFC - Merab Dvalishvili's thoughts on fighting Umar Nurmagomedov! 🏆
The fighter shares how becoming a world champion has brought both positive recognition and negative attention, particularly online. He describes the pressure of being in the spotlight and the challenges of dealing with social media criticism. Despite this, he remains focused on his career and training. The fighter also talks about the pride and support he receives from his home country, Georgia, highlighting the significance of his achievements for his people. He reflects on the respect he has gained from fellow fighters and fans, which he values highly. Looking ahead, he discusses his upcoming fight against Umar, acknowledging the challenge but expressing confidence in his preparation and strategy. He aims to win decisively, emphasizing the importance of earning respect through performance.
Key Points:
- Becoming a champion brings both fame and online criticism, requiring resilience.
- Staying focused on training helps manage the pressure of public attention.
- Support from one's home country can be a significant source of motivation.
- Respect from peers and fans is a valuable outcome of hard work and success.
- Upcoming fights are seen as opportunities to prove oneself and earn respect.
Details:
1. 🏆 Embracing the Champion's Life: Fame and Pressure
1.1. Positive Changes Post-Championship
1.2. Challenges and Pressures of Championship
2. 🇬🇪 Homecoming Glory: Celebrations in Georgia
- The speaker is still learning how to navigate being a champion and suggests staying busy with fights to manage the associated drama.
- Upon returning to Georgia, the speaker was met with overwhelming support and pride from the public, including police and people of all ages, highlighting the significance of his achievements for the country.
- The speaker expressed personal feelings of gratitude and humility, noting the emotional impact of seeing the widespread national pride.
- Specific events included a public parade and an official ceremony, showing the government's recognition of the speaker's accomplishments.
3. 🌍 Georgian Pride: Impact of Champions on a Nation
- Having UFC champions from Georgia, such as the speaker and Ilia, is significant for the nation, providing a sense of pride and achievement to its people.
- Despite Georgia being a small country, having champions in a global arena like the UFC highlights the country's capabilities and talent, fostering national pride.
- The success of Georgian fighters in the UFC serves as an inspiration to the population, showcasing the potential and strength of Georgian athletes on an international stage.
4. 🎯 Training and Tactics: Preparing for Upcoming Battles
- Fighter mentions the impact of fight announcements on public attention, highlighting how his fight news overshadowed political protests in Georgia.
- Discusses strategic approaches in fights, such as energy conservation and smart tactics, emphasizing avoiding unnecessary risks.
- Despite the fight's challenges, the fighter felt in control and described it as 'easy' due to a dominating performance.
- Future plans include potential fights in March, April, and May, with a focus on adjusting strategies after shifts in plans.
5. 🤼♂️ The Umar Challenge: A Heated Rivalry
- The fighter perceives Umar as a strong competitor but criticizes Umar for not earning his place through merit, suggesting that Umar benefits from easier opportunities and lacks humility.
- The fighter acknowledges Umar's skills, specifically his striking, kicking, and wrestling, which present significant challenges in their rivalry.
- The rivalry is intensified by Umar's perceived online disrespect and arrogance, as noted by the fighter.
- Peers have advised the fighter to take time for proper preparation and be strategic, especially regarding championship decisions, advice that wasn't sought before accepting Umar's challenge.
6. 🥊 Reflecting on Success and Future Endeavors
- Achieving respect from UFC fighters and fans marks a significant milestone in the fighting career.
- Support from home country and family remains strong regardless of fight outcomes, showcasing a solid support system.
- Earning respect in MMA gyms from professional fighters is considered a major personal success.
- Strategically aiming to defeat top opponent Umar Namaga Medov in an upcoming fight, which would be a notable accomplishment.