The Government of Georgia will give GEL 1 million to UFC champions Ilia Topuria and Merab Dvalishvili. The relevant statement made today the Prime Minister of Georgia.

“Georgian athletes have been achieving unprecedented successes across a variety of sports, the latest example being Merab Dvalishvili’s UFC victory.

The fact that, of the eight current UFC champions, two are Georgians, best illustrates the fighting spirit of the Georgians. This result, besides Georgia, a country of 4 million, is repeated only by Brazil, a country of 200 million, and this makes every Georgian especially proud. Ilia Topuria and Merab Dvalishvili have exhibited the competitive character of the Georgians forged in the course of over 3,000 years, in this way reminding everyone that, as long as we fight with dignity, Georgians remain unbeatable.

Athletic achievements and victories won for the country call for due appreciation, the reason why we decided to issue a 1 million GEL award to Merab Dvalishvili, similar to Ilia Topuria who earned the first UFC winning title for Georgia. We wish Merab Dvalishvili and Ilia Topuria many victories in the future. Our wish for Ilia Topuria is to defend his UFC belt on October 26. October 26 is our day, and we are confident that Ilia will win another victory for us on October 26!”, - says Irakli Kobakhidze.