UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili has sparked controversy on social media after posting a video that shows him consuming a live crayfish. The clip, which quickly circulated across platforms, drew sharp reactions from fans and critics.
In the footage, Dvalishvili can be seen handling what appears to be a large crayfish before eating it while the crustacean remains alive. The video prompted immediate backlash from animal welfare advocates and mixed martial arts followers who found the display distasteful.
😱 Merab eats a crayfish while it’s still alive.
30 seconds ago he said he won’t eat them😅
🎥 @MerabDvalishvil pic.twitter.com/PUNMznQRSs
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) December 31, 2025
Social media responses ranged from disgust to disbelief. One user noted the size of the crustacean, commenting that it appeared as large as a lobster.
Others expressed concern for animal welfare, with multiple commenters criticizing the practice as unnecessary and cruel.
The timing of the video’s release comes amid an already turbulent period for Dvalishvili. Petr Yan recently reclaimed the bantamweight title in a closely contested match at UFC 323, defeating Dvalishvili in a five-round decision on his home turf.
“I’m very happy that the belt is back in my hands,” Yan told reporters in his post-bout interview. “I knew that the entire time I had to push my initiative, I had to make sure to damage him. I understand that I’m fighting in the champion’s hometown, this is his back yard. I flew 30 hours to get here. I knew that in order for the belt to go in my hands I had to make sure to leave no stone unturned, no questions.”
When asked about the possibility of a rematch with Dvalishvili, Yan appeared noncommittal but took the opportunity to make a pointed remark. “I think Merab should really just get the boys, get into the jacuzzi, think about it, and then we’ll see,” he said.
The former champion emphasized his willingness to face any opponent the organization puts in front of him. “I never chose what to do as a champion. I never chose my opponents. Whatever the UFC, whatever the organization tells me to do, let’s go. Pedal to the metal,” he said.
