Merab Dvalishvili’s journey from a relatively unknown contender to the UFC Bantamweight Champion is a compelling story of grit, determination, and relentless work ethic. The Georgian-born fighter, now 34, has defied expectations and silenced critics by not only capturing the bantamweight title but defending it twice against top-tier opponents, firmly establishing himself among the elite in mixed martial arts.
Dvalishvili’s UFC career began humbly, with two early losses to Frankie Saenz and Ricky Simón. However, what followed was an extraordinary turnaround. Since those initial setbacks, he has amassed an impressive 13-fight win streak tied for the fourth longest in UFC history. This streak includes victories over former champions such as José Aldo, Petr Yan, and Henry Cejudo, showcasing his evolution into a dominant force in the 135-pound division.
On September 14, 2024, Dvalishvili captured the UFC Bantamweight Championship by defeating Sean O’Malley via unanimous decision at UFC 306. The fight was a classic clash of styles: Dvalishvili’s relentless wrestling and pace against O’Malley’s flashy striking. Dvalishvili’s ability to control the fight on the ground and wear down his opponent was key. “This is the first time the UFC called me, when I was in Georgia, and said, ‘Go enjoy your country, have a great time, and when you come to Las Vegas, let’s go to dinner and choose who you want to fight and when you want to fight,’” Dvalishvili reflected, underscoring how far his career had come.
He successfully defended his title twice. First, against the undefeated contender Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 311 in January 2025, winning by unanimous decision and earning a Fight of the Night bonus. This bout highlighted Dvalishvili’s unparalleled wrestling; he set a UFC record for most takedowns landed in history with 92. Then, in a highly anticipated rematch at UFC 316 in June 2025, he submitted O’Malley with a north-south choke in the third round, a performance that earned him a Performance of the Night award.
Dvalishvili’s style is characterized by relentless pressure, exceptional cardio, and a grappling-heavy approach that overwhelms opponents. His teammate and former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling praised him, saying, “The only person who I can see beating him is himself. He’s just gotta continue doing what he’s doing, keep getting better, making these little improvements to his game, and he’s gonna be hard to catch for these guys.”
Currently ranked second in the UFC pound-for-pound list, just behind Islam Makhachev, Dvalishvili’s ascent is remarkable. He is the first Georgian-born UFC champion, a point of pride for his home country and a testament to his perseverance.
Looking ahead, Dvalishvili has expressed eagerness to defend his title against top contenders like Cory Sandhagen, signaling his desire to continue proving himself against the best. “Cory Sandhagen is the most deserving,” he stated in a recent interview, adding, “I want to fight soon… I always want to fight in New York, but Vegas is home now.”
Merab Dvalishvili’s rise from an underdog to a dominant bantamweight champion is a story of resilience and relentless ambition. His record-breaking takedowns, championship victories, and growing legacy position him as one of the most formidable fighters in UFC history. As he continues to evolve and defend his title, the MMA world watches closely, wondering who, if anyone, can stop this relentless champion.
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