Controversy reared its ugly head this past Saturday Night when Ricky Simon picked up a controversial TKO win over Merab Dvalishvili at UFC Fight Night Atlantic City.
Matt Culley is Dvalishvili’s manager and he says that Dvalishvili wants one of two things, for the bout to be overturned to a no contest or for a rematch with Simon.
“From talking to Merab, I think he would love a rematch to have a final outcome for that match,” Culley said to MMA Junkie. “He put in a lot of hard work into camp and the actual fight. It was a very exciting fight. Obviously they won the ‘Fight of the Night’ bonus. So if we can get it overturned to a no-decision, and it makes sense to the UFC and his opponent to run that back, I think it might make sense for the fans to see that, too.”
For those who didn’t see the fight, referee Liam Kelligan declared that Dvalishvili was out from a Simon guillotine choke as the bell sounded to end the third round of the fight. Kerrigan then consulted with veteran referee Marc Goddard before awarding Simon the win via third round TKO.
Culley even claims that Dvalishvili was awake throughout the whole guillotine choke attempt, despite what the officials claim.
“(Dvalishvili) was there the whole time,” Culley said. “He knew there was short time in the round. He was flailing his legs not just to show he was awake, but to keep blood circulation going. In his mind, that was beneficial to keep him awake, and it worked. There was no tap. He clearly wasn’t unconscious, so that’s where we’re at right now.”
There has been no appeal filed at this time by Dvalishvili or anybody from his team.
