Georgian PM announces $367,666 reward for UFC champions Dvalishvili and Topuria

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Monday announced mixed martial arts wrestlers Merab Dvalishvili and Ilia Topuria, the new champions in bantamweight and featherweight categories of the Ultimate Fighting Championship series, would each receive a monetary reward of ₾1 million ($367,666) for their accomplishments.

Dvalishvili became the bantamweight champion after defeating his American opponent Sean O'Malley earlier this month, while Topuria took the featherweight title after his win over Australia’s Alexander Volkanovski in February.

• Georgia’s Merab Dvalishvili becomes UFC Bantamweight Champion

Highlighting the significance of the two athletes’ victories in the prestigious wrestling competition, the Prime Minister emphasised the need for “proper appreciation” of sports success and the pride it brings to the country.

Georgian athletes have achieved unprecedented success in various sports, with the latest example being Dvalishvili winning the title of UFC champion. Currently, two out of the eight active UFC champions are Georgians, which truly reflects the fighting spirit of the Georgian people. Only Brazil, with its 200-million [population], has a result similar to Georgia with its four million [people], which is a matter of special pride for every Georgian”, he said.

Photos: UFC

Topuria and Dvalishvili have exemplified the fighting character of the Georgian people who have been tempered for 3,000 years, reminding us that wherever we fight with dignity, no one can defeat us Georgians”, Kobakhidze added.

• UFC fighter Ilia Topuria becomes first Georgian to win World Champion title

The Prime Minister wished Topuria the best in his UFC belt defence next month, adding “[this] is our day and we believe Ilia will give us another victory”, referring to parliamentary elections scheduled for the same day.