Morning Report: Merab Dvalishvili recalls being schooled by Aljamain Sterling in 1st training session

Dvalishvili: Aljo's friendship means more to me than any title or money

UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili opened up about one of the most challenging decisions of his career during a conversation on Matt Serra’s podcast. He talked about his refusal to compete against his longtime friend and training partner Aljamain Sterling, even when it meant potentially sacrificing his championship aspirations. Dvalishvili’s journey to the top of the bantamweight division is intertwined with his relationship with Sterli…

Morning Report: Merab Dvalishvili recalls being schooled by Aljamain Sterling in 1st training session

Merab Dvalishvili and Aljamain Sterling | Photo by Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images Merab Dvalishili had a lot to learn the first time he rolled with Aljamain Sterling. The reigning UFC bantamweight champion has always held Sterling - his longtime friend and teammate - in high regard. In a recent interview with coach Matt Serra, Dvalishvili recalled how “Funk Master” humbled him when they met in the gym over a decade ago. “We had sparring r…