For Merab Dvalishvili, the events that unfolded at ROC 58, was apart of the overall plan of him growing as a professional athlete. For his first three professional fights, he went 1-2. Not quite the start anyone would hope for but in a professional environment, sometimes you need to take the good with the bad. Rather than second guess himself as if the fight game was meant for him, he would turn his losses into a learning experiences where he could grow from them and grow he did. Merab is currently riding a five-fight win streak winning the bantamweight title at ROC 58. Winning the Ring of Combat title and being called champion is an amazing feeling but also the second part of his fight career.

“The feeling of winning the ROC lightweight title at ROC 58 is almost indescribable,” said Merab. “My hard work and efforts in training had definitely paid off.” For Merab, winning the title was not only for himself but also for those who stuck by him through thick and thin. “I have very supportive friends, family, teammates, and coaches that are with me every step of the way,” said Merab. “Being named champion that night in front of those who could attend, and those watching the live feeds in my home country, Georgia, was an incredible feeling and a thank you to them for believing in me  and taking pride in my achievements all the time.”

Now Merab faces another tough test this when he looks to defend his title for the first time against a very dangerous opponent in Raufeon Stots who carries an undefeated record of 8-0. All those who fight in Ring of Combat know there is no easy fight in the top regional promotion and if you want to make it in the big leagues, you need to take on all comers. Merab relishes the opportunity to take on Stots.

“Raufeon Stots is a  good and smart fighter and wrestler, undefeated in his professional career,” said Merab.  “I am coming off of 5 straight wins in my own professional career and am working with my coaches daily, specifically targeting my strategy for Stots.  I am looking forward to handing Raufeon Stots his first defeat at ROC 59.”

At Ring of Combat 59, Merab not only gets to show his fans, coaches, family who the top regional bantamweight is, he’ll get the opportunity to impress UFC boss, Dana White. While most fans may feel this adds a bit of pressure, Merab again, looks at this as the ultimate opportunity.

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to fight in front of Dana White,” said Merab. “ There is very little added pressure for me as I prepare and work hard for every single fight I have. The pressure is more like excitement for me as the challenge is on to prove that I am ready for the next step in my professional career… to fight in the UFC. As usual, I am motivated to give my best performance. I am confident in my skills and continue to progress each day as I train hard, long hours, as I do for each fight, under the direction of the best coaches Ray Longo and Matt Serra, along with my Serra Longo teammates.”

Merab Dvalishvili vs Raufeon Stots take place at Friday, June 2nd at the awesome Tropicana Showroom in Atlantic City, New Jersey. ROC 59 is stacked from top to bottom with five title fights. Tickets are available online at the ROC website, the Tropicana box office or any TicketMaster outlet. ROC events have a history of selling out so get your tickets today!