Merab refusing to fight Aljo for years is really something

[Marko Polo]

While Sterling was the champ I think they offered Merab a couple of fights against him and he turned them down each time saying he didn’t want to fight his friend and team mate. At the time it was considered that he would probably lose to Sterling anyway, but now we see the levels of performance Merab has been putting in and it’s evident that he was being a bit more unselfish than first thought. He probably could have been champ for years, making millions while he was at it

 

[Only Here for Attachments]

Probably would've been one of the worst fights of all time

 

[Here's Johnny!]

Idk man Sterling has the style to beat Merab more than O Malley and k1 Khabib

 

[AmonTobin]

Merab seems like a genuinely honourable guy. Respect.

 

[BarbellzNbacon]

Honorable teammates. This isn't something new in the mma world.

 

[dipstickjimmy]

Rory refused to fight GSP. Fitch and Koscheck refused to fight. Dana said he could make them with money but he couldn't.

 

[HI SCOTT NEWMAN]

It reminds me of the Cain and Cormier saga, Cormier had to lose like 50 Ibs because of it and go to LHW. Remember at the time there were lots of threads everyday about them fighting, even though they said they will never ever do it

 

[BangBang]

While Sterling was the champ I think they offered Merab a couple of fights against him and he turned them down each time saying he didn’t want to fight his friend and team mate. At the time it was considered that he would probably lose to Sterling anyway, but now we see the levels of performance Merab has been putting in and it’s evident that he was being a bit more unselfish than first thought. He probably could have been champ for years, making millions while he was at it

Can say a lot about Merab but can't question his loyalty. He's a kind soul, if not a tad oversensitive!

 

[Kaiokenrye24]

Merab gave up a few years of his prime to not fight Aljamain when a title shot was not guaranteed. Respect especially considering that no one would fault him

 

[TheBulge]

He credits Aljo and the team for how far he's gotten so he saw it like biting the hand that fed him.

Realistically he would have been the best probably at any good gym.

 

[Gabe]

Yeah it shows he has morals and respect. And they both still became champ. Good on him.

 

[Ube]

I mean, he doesn’t even want to fight Volk, apparently because he’s a real big fan. Guys very sentimental about stuff.

 

[Rapa]

Merab could have 5-6 title defences right now