Islam Makhachev and Merab Dvalishvili clash over Russian flag usage

Islam Makhachev expressed annoyance at Merab Dvalishvili's reaction to his UFC 330 victory, where he carried a Russian flag. Dvalishvili criticized the UFC for allowing Makhachev to display the flag, citing his own restrictions in previous title fights. He clarified that his comments were not personal against Makhachev but were rooted in objections to Russian politics and its impacts on his home country, Georgia. As Dvalishvili prepares for a bantamweight title rematch against Petr Yan at UFC 333 on October 24, tensions remain high between the fighters.

• 11:40 PMYahoo Sports — Russian flag causes spat between Islam Makhachev, Merab Dvalishvili