Aljamain Sterling won’t entertain the idea of fighting Merab Dvalishvili , at least under the current pay structure. The UFC bantamweight champion has been put in a bit of an awkward situation in recent weeks, as his good friend and teammate Dvalishvili (16-4 MMA, 9-2 UFC) has been rising through the 135-pound ranks and is now considered by many the No. 1 title contender following his main event win over Petr Yan at UFC Fight Night 221 on March 11. This situation has been seen coming, as Sterling (22-3 MMA, 14-3 UFC) has remained champion, and Dvalishvili has kept winning and climbing the bantamweight ladder. Along that trajectory, both fighters have been clear that they won’t fight each other. UFC president Dana White recently said Merab not fighting Sterling would be a ‘really bad idea.’ Sterling understands where White is coming from as a promoter, but says he could entertain the idea if the UFC pay would be much higher
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