Injury Status For UFC Fighter Merab Dvalishvili Post-Surgery

The top-ranked UFC bantamweight has provided another update.

Highly regarded UFC bantamweight Merab Dvalishvili has given fans a time frame of when he can return to physical activities.

Excitement was brewing when former two-division UFC champion Henry Cejudo called for a fight with Dvalishvili. "The Machine" quickly poured cold water on the idea for the immediate future, as he revealed he required surgery for his injured hand.

The good news is that he has already gone under the knife, and he told "The Schmo" that he can get back to work sooner than you may think.

"I needed surgery," Dvalishvili said. "I did last Tuesday and now I'm recovering. I will be able to punch in three months, and I will be able to train again in six weeks. Punch, yeah, I need three months to punch."

READ MORE: UFC Contender Sean O'Malley Questions Viability Of Francis Ngannou's PFL Deal

Dvalishvili ruled out a fight in August, but he's open to throwing down with Cejudo or any other top contender later this year.

"I won't be able to fight [in August] because I need to train again, I need to get ready," Dvalishvili said. "I don't think I'll be ready for August, but maybe we'll see another time."

Dvalishvili's teammate, reigning UFC Bantamweight Champion Aljamain Sterling, is scheduled to put his gold at stake against Sean O'Malley at UFC 292 on August 19. If Sterling emerges victorious, then he could be making the move up to the featherweight division. If that's the case, Dvalishvili may be welcomed back with a title opportunity.

"Yeah, it's very possible because Aljo will defend his belt again against O'Malley," Dvalishvili said. "Like he said, if he wants to move up it's up to him, and if he moves up then I guess I can fight for the belt. Whoever will be next contender I will fight with them because I am number one, I have nine-fight win streak and I don't think nobody deserves better than me to fight [for the title] if Aljo moves up."

READ MORE: UFC Legend Theorizes Why Jon Jones Is Upset With Francis Ngannou

If you use any quotes from this article, please leave a H/T to MMA Knockout for the transcription.

Stick with MMA Knockout for more daily coverage of the UFC and MMA.

Follow MMA Knockout on Twitter and Facebook.