Former UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili has suffered another significant nose injury during training, but the Georgian fighter is choosing to compete with the damage rather than undergo surgery that would sideline him for up to a year.

Dvalishvili, known as "The Machine" for his relentless pace and durability, revealed on social media that he broke his already-crooked nose during a sparring session when he caught a knee to the face. The injury has worsened his existing nasal damage and severely compromised his breathing on one side.

"What a good day and what a stupid accident," Dvalishvili said in an Instagram video. "Again, 12 years after, my nose is f—ked up even worse. As you see, it's even more cracked same direction. When I touch, my bones are broken inside, and one side I can't even breathe."

A Decade of Damage

This latest break compounds an injury that has plagued Dvalishvili for over a decade. His nose was first broken during his professional MMA debut and has remained visibly crooked ever since, shifted to one side from accumulated damage in the cage and gym. Despite the cosmetic and functional issues, the 35-year-old fighter has never allowed the injury to slow his aggressive, high-volume fighting style.

The recent training accident occurred when Dvalishvili mistimed a movement and leaned into a knee strike, resulting in what medical professionals have described as both deep and structural damage. X-rays revealed the nose is now broken in two places, with bone fragments requiring extensive surgical intervention to properly repair.

Tough Choice: Surgery or Competition

After consulting with a nose surgeon in Nevada, Dvalishvili was presented with a difficult decision. To properly fix the damage, doctors would need to re-break other bones in his nose and essentially reconstruct the entire nasal structure. The healing process would require 9 to 12 months away from contact training, with medical experts warning that returning too soon could lead to permanent facial collapse.

For a fighter who lost his bantamweight title to Petr Yan at UFC 323 in December, effectively ending his 14-fight winning streak, the timing couldn't be worse. With their record now tied at 1-1, a rubber match between Dvalishvili and Yan was being positioned as one of the most anticipated championship rematches in the bantamweight division.

"I did my X-ray, and X-ray shows that my nose is broken at two places," Dvalishvili explained in a follow-up video. "I just saw doctor, nose surgeon, and he said if he will fix my nose and then make straight, then he has to re-break other bones too, and it will take one more year to heal up. Of course, I don't want to do that."

Career Over Comfort

True to his reputation as one of the most durable athletes in MMA, Dvalishvili has chosen to postpone surgery indefinitely rather than take the extended layoff. The decision reflects both his competitive drive and the reality of being a 35-year-old fighter in a sport where time is always working against you.

"Otherwise, he said keep it that way, and you can do surgery after you retire, but I said, 'I'm not going into retirement the next 20 years,'" Dvalishvili stated. "So, I guess I'm going to keep my nose even more crooked than what it used to be before, and I'm gonna deal with that."

Impact on Fighting Style

The decision to compete with restricted breathing could significantly impact Dvalishvili's greatest asset: his cardiovascular conditioning. Known for maintaining an relentless pace throughout entire fights, "The Machine" has built his career on overwhelming opponents with volume and pressure. Any compromise to his breathing capacity could affect this signature approach.

The breathing restriction is particularly concerning given the narrative surrounding his recent loss to Yan, where fatigue and injury were cited as factors in his performance. Now facing the prospect of competing with limited nasal breathing, questions arise about whether Dvalishvili can maintain the cardio advantage that has been central to his success.

Wrestling Match Still On

Despite the injury, Dvalishvili confirmed he will still participate in his scheduled April 18 wrestling match against former UFC champion Henry Cejudo at a Real American Fighting (RAF) event. The decision demonstrates his commitment to competition regardless of physical limitations.

"I'm still going to compete at wrestling tournament against Henry Cejudo at RAF, and that's it. God bless everyone," he stated.

Division Implications

Dvalishvili's injury and decision to avoid surgery could have broader implications for the bantamweight division. As the top-ranked contender following his title loss to Yan, his potential extended absence from title contention has sparked speculation about the UFC's plans for the division.

Industry observers suggest that if Dvalishvili's breathing issues significantly impact his performance or if he requires an extended recovery period, the UFC might consider introducing an interim bantamweight title to keep the top of the division active and moving forward.

The Warrior Mentality

Dvalishvili's choice exemplifies the warrior mentality that has defined his career. Throughout his UFC tenure, he has consistently demonstrated an almost inhuman ability to absorb punishment and continue fighting at full intensity. This latest decision to compete with a severely damaged nose fits the pattern of a fighter who prioritizes competition over comfort.

The Georgian's approach reflects the harsh realities of professional fighting, where careers are short and opportunities are precious. At 35, Dvalishvili understands that taking a year off could effectively end his championship aspirations, making the risk of competing with restricted breathing seem worthwhile compared to the certainty of losing valuable time.

Looking Forward

As Dvalishvili prepares to continue his career with his newly damaged nose, the MMA community will be watching closely to see how the injury affects his performance. His upcoming wrestling match against Cejudo will provide the first indication of how well he can adapt to competing with compromised breathing.

The situation also raises questions about fighter safety and the pressures that lead athletes to compete through significant injuries. While Dvalishvili's toughness is admirable, his decision highlights the difficult choices fighters face when balancing health concerns against career aspirations.

For now, "The Machine" remains determined to prove that not even a broken nose can slow him down, even if it means breathing through just one nostril while pursuing his goal of reclaiming the bantamweight championship.