Overview
- Makhachev’s team carried a Russian flag into the Octagon after his UFC 330 win, a moment that drew Merab Dvalishvili’s visible on‑camera reaction during the post‑fight celebration.
- Dvalishvili posted a video clarification saying he respects Makhachev personally and that his objection targeted Russian politics and state actions rather than the fighter or ordinary Russian people.
- He tied his response to Georgia’s history with Russia, said roughly 20 percent of Georgian territory is occupied, and complained the UFC had allowed Makhachev flag access that he says was denied to him in his title fights.
- Makhachev publicly framed Dvalishvili’s reaction as jealousy and suggested Petr Yan could 'make him shut up,' a line that feeds into Dvalishvili’s scheduled trilogy rematch with Yan on Oct. 24 at UFC 333.
- The exchange has intensified existing rivalries between fighters and teams, followed earlier scuffles involving associates from both camps, and so far has produced no reported UFC sanctions but could shape promotion, media coverage, and tensions ahead of UFC 333.