Merab Dvalishvili addresses staph infection rumors as UFC doctors interrupt interview with ‘improvised’ visit

UFC fans believe they have discovered signs of a staphylococcal infection in Merab Dvalishvili

Earlier this week, Merab Dvalishvili posted a picture of himself on his Instagram page showing off new official apparel ahead of his title fight at UFC 306 – and it has to be said, the latest merchandise collection looks absolutely fantastic.

What didn't look great, however, was The Machine's left arm, as fans were quick to point out what they believed to be signs of a staph infection.

Responses to the post included “Bro, nice staph,” “What's that in your arm???,” “Nice staph, buddy,” and “Is that staph I see, Merab?” – prompting various MMA YouTubers and social media sites to raise awareness of the possible infection online as well.

Merab Dvalishvili addresses rumors that he has a staph infection ahead of UFC 306

Just hours after news of the possible staph infection hit MMA airwaves, Dvalishvili gave an interview to New York Post Sports; but, shockingly, it was interrupted by UFC doctors.

At about 3:20 minutes, the video shows a time-lapse of Dvalishvili undergoing an impromptu examination by UFC medical staff, even taking off his shirt to show the doctors his left arm.

“I’m sorry, my friend, the UFC doctors are examining me right now – they looked at this, [pointing to his arm] nothing, they thought I had a ring or something, but I'm fine.”

Interviewer Scott Fontana listened to the conversation between Dvalishvili and the UFC doctors and immediately asked why the medical officials themselves had mentioned something about an “anti-fungal infection.”

“I took a picture and a lot of people commented, 'Oh, he has this' – they thought I had a staph infection, but I'm fine, man, nothing,” Dvalishvili argued, showing his arm, which showed no visible signs of infection.

“I have nothing, nothing – as you can see, there is no staph infection.”

According to Fontana, the doctors also examined the cut that Dvalishvili sustained during training a few weeks ago. The Georgian had removed the stitches himself last week.

“It's good, it's good,” Dvalishvili said of the cut, before adding: “We will use more cream to heal [the] Cut, the cut is done, we'll just use more cream to aid healing, you know.”

Although it should be noted that Dvalishvili would never publicly admit to having a staph infection so close to a world championship fight, the few pictures that showed his arm showed no redness around the suspected area.

UFC 306 will be broadcast live from the Sphere in Las Vegas on September 14th.

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