'My best friend is champion': Merab Dvalishvili explains why UFC title shot dilemma 'a good problem to have'

LAS VEGAS - Merab Dvalishvili wants a title shot, but he'll decline if offered.

It's an unusual predicament, one that is oftentimes considered but never actually experienced by UFC contenders. His best friend and main training partner Aljamain Sterling happens to be in the same division - and happens to be champion.

With his performance Saturday at UFC Fight Night 221, Dvalishvili (16-4 MMA, 9-2 UFC) may otherwise have secured himself a title shot with a dominant, smothering performance of former titleholder Petr Yan (16-5 MMA, 8-4 UFC).

However, Dvalishvili, who has indicated positivity is a pillar of his character, isn't bothered by the circumstances that have him passing on an opportunity many other fighters would snatch in a heartbeat.

"I'll fight anybody (else)," Dvalishvili told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a post-fight news conference. "I want to be busy, and I'll fight anybody. I want to be busy. Whoever. Whoever the UFC chooses for me to fight, I'll fight. I don't have no problem. This a good problem to have: two best friends, two teammates. My best friend is champion, and I'm one of the top (contenders). This is a good problem to have. We are cleaning the division."