Dvalishvili set as backup for UFC 299 main event

MIAMI — UFC bantamweight contender Merab Dvalishvili will weigh in as a backup for Saturday’s UFC 299 main event, his manager, Oren Hodak, confirmed to ESPN, just three weeks after the biggest win of his career.

UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley is defending his title against Marlon “Chito” Vera at Kaseya Center on Saturday night.

Dvalishvili is expected to arrive Wednesday, cut weight Thursday and weigh in Friday, just in case something happens with O’Malley or Vera before their fight.

Dvalishvili (17-4) knocked off former UFC double champion Henry Cejudo by unanimous decision at UFC 298 on Feb. 17. If he does compete Saturday, it would match the quickest turnaround ever for someone fighting for a UFC title.

The 33-year-old Dvalishvili, a Republic of Georgia native, has won 10 straight fights. His nine consecutive victories at bantamweight is the longest such streak in division history, tied with his teammate and former champ Aljamain Sterling.