Merba Dvalishvili, a top fighter of the UFC lightweight division, received American citizenship. About it he wrote on his Instagram.
"So, I did something today.... As of 3/22/24 I am a US citizen. My heart will always be with my native Georgia..... but I am happy and grateful for the opportunities the United States of America has given me and I will continue to work hard to make both my countries proud!" the fighter wrote.
Dvalishvili had his last fight in February of this year, winning a judge's decision over former UFC champion in two weight categories Henry Sehudo. After that win, Merab was named a contender for the championship fight.