UFC 278 Results: Merab Dvalishvili defeats Jose Aldo (Highlights)

Today’s UFC 278 main card lineup features a highly anticipated men’s bantamweight contest between Jose Aldo and Merab Dvalishvili.

Aldo (31-7 MMA) will go into the fight on a three-fight win streak after picking up decision victories over Marlon Vera, Pedro Munhoz and Rob Font. The MMA legend has gone 3-2 since being relegated to the Promotions bantamweight division.

Meanwhile, Merab Dvalishvili (14-4 MMA) enters UFC 278 on a seven-fight win streak, the last of which was a TKO from behind over Marlon Moraes. Before that, The Machine had won six straight fights by decision.

The first round of this crucial bantamweight duel begins and Merab Dvalishvili opens the contest with a spinning kick! Merab with a low kick, but Jose Aldo checks it. He shoots in for a takedown, but the “King of Rio” shrugs. The fighters exchange low kicks. Aldo lands another. Dvalishvili charges forward with a twirl, then dives on one leg. He pushes Aldo against the fence and forces the clinch. The fighters break and Merab lands a left hook on the exit. Jose Aldo jumps to the body with a nice knee. Dvalishvili pushes forward but Aldo catches him with a body shot before the horn sounds to end round one.

Round two begins and Jose Aldo lands a crisp jab. Merab Dvalishvili shoots in and forces the clinch. He lands some knees on the Brazilian legend’s thigh. Aldo pretends to yawn and then the fighters separate. Aldo with a nice combination. Merab fires for another takedown but is denied again and we’re back in the clinch. The bantamweights break, but Dvalishvili shoots in immediately. Another short pause and Merab is back in for a takedown attempt. Jose Aldo shrugs. Merab shoots again, but is stuffed again as the horn sounds to end the second round.

https://twitter.com/FTBeard7/status/1561190778117898240

Round three begins and Merab Dvalishvili hits a direct right. Jose Aldo returns fire with a knee to the body. Merab quickly fires up a takedown, but “The King of Rio” shrugs. Dvalishvili now steps forward relentlessly. Dvalishvili almost knocks Aldo over but can’t get him to his feet. Another throw and this time it works. Now he stands on Aldo’s back. The horn sounds and Merab celebrates.

We go to the judges – drop those scorecards 📝

[ #UFC278 | Live on ESPN+ PPV: https://t.co/hD8HR6leJq ] pic.twitter.com/Q7diOahvAu

— UFC (@ufc) August 21, 2022

UFC 278 Official Result: Merab Dvalishvili defeated. Jose Aldo by unanimous decision (29-28 x2, 30-27)

After beating Aldo tonight in Salt Lake City, who would you like to see Dvalishvili fight next? Share your thoughts in the Penn Nation comments section!

This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM