Merab Dvalishvili and Valentina Shevchenko share special moment backstage after UFC 306 wins

After coming away victorious on Saturday night, both Valentina Shevchenko and Merab Dvalishvili engaged in a dance backstage to celebrate their wins.

In a historic night for the company, UFC 306 saw both the men’s bantamweight and women’s flyweight title change hands. Despite coming up against incredibly dangerous strikers, the challenger in the main and co-main event executed a flawless game plan.

Both Merab Dvalishvili and Valentina Shevchenko came away with one-sided victories on Saturday night. In celebration of their performances, the European duo shared a special moment as they danced together backstage.

The dance is called the lezginka and is most commonly taught to people of Lezgin origin. Lezgins are a Northeast Caucasian ethnic group, mostly hailing from southern Dagestan or northeastern Azerbaijan.

Watch the warming moment below between the two newly-crowned UFC champions.

Man, does it feel good to be a CHAMPION 🏆@BulletValentina 💃@MerabDvalishvil 🕺

[ #UFC306 | @RiyadhSeason #NocheUFC ] pic.twitter.com/LcAzyKHzcw

— UFC (@ufc) September 15, 2024

Heading into the trilogy bout with Alexa Grasso, Valentina Shevchenko implemented a grapple-heavy approach and completely nullified any threat that Alexa Grasso posed on the feet. 

Aside from a few dangerous submission attempts, Shevchenko was in control for the entire fight and earned a dominant victory to recapture her throne at the Las Vegas Sphere.

Related: UFC 306 Post-Fight Press Conference Video

Taking inspiration from the earlier fight, Merab Dvalishvili also dominated the champ and made Sean O’Malley‘s sniper-like striking ineffective. 

From start to finish, ‘Suga’ looked almost trigger shy due to Dvalishvili’s intense pressure. It was mostly smooth sailing for the Georgian until he was hurt to the body late in the closing minutes of the fight.

Working the body the entire fight almost paid off for O’Malley when he came close to finishing his opponent with a barrage of front kicks to the body. Despite Merab being in clear pain, it wasn’t enough for O’Malley and a new 135 lbs champion was crowned.

With some incredible fights, two title changes, and the most unique setting in combat sports history, UFC 306 was one to remember.