Merab Dvalishvili

Merab Dvalishvili
Born (1991-01-10) January 10, 1991 (age 33)
Tbilisi, Georgian SSR, Soviet Union
Other namesThe Machine
NationalityGeorgian
American[1]
Height5 ft 6 in (1.68 m)
Weight135 lb (61 kg; 9 st 9 lb)
DivisionBantamweight
Reach68[2] in (173 cm)
Fighting out ofLong Island, New York, U.S.[3]
TeamSerra-Longo Fight Team (2013–present)[4]
TrainerRay Longo and Matt Serra[3]
RankBlack belt in judo[5]
Purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu[6]
Years active2014–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total22
Wins18
By knockout3
By submission1
By decision14
Losses4
By submission1
By decision3
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
Medal record
Representing  Georgia
Combat Sambo
World Championships
Silver medal – second place 2019 Cheongju 68 kg

Merab Dvalishvili (Georgian: მერაბ დვალიშვილი, Georgian pronunciation: [ˈmerab ˈdʷaliʃvili]; born January 10, 1991) is a Georgian professional mixed martial artist. He currently competes in the Bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he is the current UFC Bantamweight Champion. Dvalishvili is the second Georgian to win a UFC title after Ilia Topuria.[7] As of September 17, 2024, he is #7 in the UFC men's pound-for-pound rankings.[8]

Background

Dvalishvili was born in Tbilisi, Georgian SSR and grew up in an independent Georgia. He started training at a young age, training in qartuli chidaoba (traditional wrestling), khridoli (traditional fighting), sambo, and judo for self-defense. He moved to the United States when he was 21 years old to become a professional MMA fighter. Once in America, he began to train under Ray Longo and Matt Serra.[3]

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Dvalishvili started his MMA career in 2014. He fought under various promotions, namely CFFC losing his debut and the Ring of Combat before getting signed on Dana White Looking for a Fight after defending his ROC title, amassing a record of 7–2 before competing in the UFC.[9]

On June 2, 2017, Dvalishvili's matchup against fellow prospect Raufeon Stots was showcased on an episode of 'Dana White: Lookin' for a Fight'. He won this contest via spinning backfist KO 15 seconds into the first round and was subsequently awarded a contract by UFC President Dana White.[10]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Dvalishvili made his UFC debut on December 9, 2017, against Frankie Saenz at UFC Fight Night: Swanson vs. Ortega.[11] He lost the fight via split decision.[12]

His next fight came on April 21, 2018, at UFC Fight Night: Barboza vs. Lee against Ricky Simón. He lost the fight via technical submission at the final bell.[13] This fight earned him the Fight of the Night award.[14] Dvalishvili's team appealed the result on the grounds that he was not unconscious at the end of the round, but the appeal was denied.[15]

Dvalishvili faced Terrion Ware on September 15, 2018, at UFC Fight Night: Hunt vs. Oleinik.[16] He won the fight via unanimous decision.[17]

Dvalishvili faced Brad Katona on May 4, 2019, at UFC Fight Night: Iaquinta vs. Cowboy.[18] He won the fight via unanimous decision.[19]

Dvalishvili faced Casey Kenney on February 15, 2020, at UFC Fight Night 167.[20] He won the fight by unanimous decision.[21]

Dvalishvili was scheduled to face Ray Borg on June 13, 2020, at UFC on ESPN: Eye vs. Calvillo.[22] However, on June 11, 2020, it was reported that Borg withdrew from the bout and he was replaced by promotional newcomer Gustavo Lopez in a catchweight bout of 140 pounds.[23] Dvalishvili was victorious via unanimous decision.[24]

Dvalishvili faced John Dodson on August 15, 2020, at UFC 252.[25] He won the fight via unanimous decision.[26]

Dvalishvili was expected to face Cody Stamann on December 5, 2020, at UFC on ESPN 19.[27] However, on October 22, it was announced that Stamann pulled out due to undisclosed reasons,[28] and he was replaced by Raoni Barcelos.[29] However, Barcelos was removed from the contest due to a medical suspension related to his latest bout on November 7.[30] The bout between Dvalishvili and Stamann was rescheduled for UFC Fight Night 184 on February 6, 2021.[31] In turn, in mid-January, Dvalishvili was forced to pull out from the bout due to the struggle of the after-effects of a COVID-19 complication, and he was replaced by Andre Ewell.[32] After a positive test for COVID-19, Ewell was pulled from the event and replaced by promotional newcomer Askar Askar, with the contest expected to take place at featherweight.[33][34] On the day of the event, Askar was not medically cleared and the bout was canceled.[35] The bout between Dvalishvili and Stamann was rescheduled again to May 1, 2021, at UFC on ESPN: Reyes vs. Procházka.[36] Dvalishvili won the bout via unanimous decision.[37]

Dvalishvili faced Marlon Moraes on September 25, 2021, at UFC 266.[38] After being knocked down and nearly finished in the first round, Dvalishvili rallied and won the fight via TKO in round two. [39] This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.[40]

Dvalishvili faced former UFC Featherweight champion José Aldo on August 20, 2022, at UFC 278.[41] He won the bout via unanimous decision.[42]

Dvalishvili faced former UFC Bantamweight champion Petr Yan on March 11, 2023, at UFC Fight Night: Yan vs. Dvalishvili.[43] He won the fight via unanimous decision. Dvalishvili, breaking the UFC record for most takedowns attempted in a single bout with 49 attempts.[44][45]

Dvalishvili faced former UFC Flyweight and Bantamweight champion Henry Cejudo on February 17, 2024, at UFC 298.[46] In a bout where five takedowns were landed, Dvalishvili won by unanimous decision.[47]

UFC Bantamweight Championship

Dvalishvili faced Sean O'Malley for the UFC Bantamweight Championship on September 14, 2024 at UFC 306.[48] He won the fight and the title by unanimous decision.[49]

Fighting style

Dvalishvili is known for having exceptional cardiovascular fitness and muscular endurance. This enables him to compete at a high-pace and attempt a large amount of takedowns for the duration of a contest without major adverse effects to his speed, technique or overall demeanour. Dvalishvili currently ranks at #2 for most takedowns in UFC history, with 85 landed during his time in the promotion. [50]

Dvalishvili often utilises attacks in the clinch, landing knees to the thighs of his opponents up against the cage wall or short punches in transitions. In the open space he will often threaten with spinning attacks, such as the spinning back-kick or backfist whilst also utilising the persistent threat of his takedowns to land punches on his opponent.

Personal life

Dvalishvili was awarded a prize of 1,000,000 Georgian Lari by the country’s government for winning the UFC bantamweight title, and he donated it to support grappling in the area.[51]

Professional grappling career

In 2019, Dvalishvili finished second in the World Sambo Championships in South Korea. Dvalishvili competed in combat sambo at 68 kilograms. He lost in the finals to Russia's Stepan Kobenov.[52]

Dvalishvili fought in the main event of Fury Pro Grappling 2 on October 29, 2021, and lost a unanimous decision to Kevin Dantzler.[53]

Dvalishvili competed against Darren Branch in the main event of High Rollerz 23 on January 21, 2023.[54] He won the match by submission, with a choke from Kesa-gatame.[55]

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
22 matches 18 wins 4 losses
By knockout 3 0
By submission 1 1
By decision 14 3
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 18–4 Sean O'Malley Decision (unanimous) UFC 306 September 14, 2024 5 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Won the UFC Bantamweight Championship.
Win 17–4 Henry Cejudo Decision (unanimous) UFC 298 February 17, 2024 3 5:00 Anaheim, California, United States
Win 16–4 Petr Yan Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Yan vs. Dvalishvili March 11, 2023 5 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 15–4 José Aldo Decision (unanimous) UFC 278 August 20, 2022 3 5:00 Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
Win 14–4 Marlon Moraes TKO (punches) UFC 266 September 25, 2021 2 4:25 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Performance of the Night.
Win 13–4 Cody Stamann Decision (unanimous) UFC on ESPN: Reyes vs. Procházka May 1, 2021 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 12–4 John Dodson Decision (unanimous) UFC 252 August 15, 2020 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 11–4 Gustavo Lopez Decision (unanimous) UFC on ESPN: Eye vs. Calvillo June 13, 2020 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Catchweight (140 lb) bout.
Win 10–4 Casey Kenney Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Anderson vs. Błachowicz 2 February 15, 2020 3 5:00 Rio Rancho, New Mexico, United States
Win 9–4 Brad Katona Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Iaquinta vs. Cowboy May 4, 2019 3 5:00 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Win 8–4 Terrion Ware Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Hunt vs. Oleinik September 15, 2018 3 5:00 Moscow, Russia
Loss 7–4 Ricky Simón Technical Submission (guillotine choke) UFC Fight Night: Barboza vs. Lee April 21, 2018 3 5:00 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States Fight of the Night.
Loss 7–3 Frankie Saenz Decision (split) UFC Fight Night: Swanson vs. Ortega December 9, 2017 3 5:00 Fresno, California, United States
Win 7–2 Raufeon Stots KO (spinning backfist) Ring of Combat 59 June 2, 2017 1 0:15 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States Defended the Ring of Combat Bantamweight Championship.
Win 6–2 Sukhrob Aydarbekov Submission (armbar) Ring of Combat 58 February 24, 2017 2 4:14 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States Won the vacant Ring of Combat Bantamweight Championship.
Win 5–2 Tony Gravely Decision (split) Ring of Combat 57 November 18, 2016 3 5:00 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Win 4–2 Paul Grant Decision (unanimous) Ring of Combat 56 September 23, 2016 3 4:00 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States Return to Bantamweight.
Win 3–2 Matt Tullos Decision (unanimous) CES MMA 36 June 10, 2016 3 5:00 Lincoln, Rhode Island, United States Featherweight debut.
Win 2–2 Geoffrey Then Decision (unanimous) CES MMA 34 April 1, 2016 3 5:00 Mashantucket, Connecticut, United States
Loss 1–2 Ricky Bandejas Decision (unanimous) CFFC 43 November 1, 2014 3 5:00 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Win 1–1 Dennis Dombrow TKO (punches) Ring of Combat 49 September 19, 2014 3 0:50 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Loss 0–1 Darren Mima Decision (majority) Ring of Combat 47 January 24, 2014 3 4:00 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States Bantamweight debut.

[59]

Pay-per-view bouts

No Event Fight Date Venue City PPV buys
1. UFC 306 O'Malley vs. Dvalishvili September 14, 2024 Sphere Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Not Disclosed[60]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Meet Merab: From juggling move to U.S. and construction job, O'Malley's next opponent owns unique backstory". MontanaSports.com (MTSPX). September 12, 2024. Retrieved September 29, 2024.
  2. ^ a b "Stats | UFC". ufcstats.com. Retrieved November 20, 2019.
  3. ^ a b c "Merab Dvalishvili brings his country's fighting spirit to ROC 58 | Lou Neglia's Ring of Combat | Next Generation of Mixed Martial Arts!". Merab Dvalishvili brings his country’s fighting spirit to ROC 58 | Lou Neglia's Ring of Combat | Next Generation of Mixed Martial Arts!. Retrieved November 20, 2019.
  4. ^ Ariel Helwani (June 2, 2022). Merab Reacts to Aljamain Sterling Potentially Giving Up Bantamweight Title For Him - MMA Fighting – via YouTube.
  5. ^ "Merab Dvalishvili | UFC". UFC.com. September 14, 2018. Retrieved June 6, 2021.
  6. ^ ""An absolute menace" - "Purple belt" Merab Dvalishvili's video with two mystery women has fans in splits". sportskeeda.com. January 13, 2024. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  7. ^ a b Mike Bohn (September 15, 2024). "UFC 306 post-event facts: Merab Dvalishvili's streak reaches historic status in title win vs. Sean O'Malley". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
  8. ^ "UFC Rankings, Division Rankings, P4P rankings, UFC Champions | UFC.com". www.ufc.com. Retrieved September 17, 2024.
  9. ^ "Merab Dvalishvili | Lou Neglia's Ring of Combat | Next Generation of Mixed Martial Arts!". Merab Dvalishvili | Lou Neglia's Ring of Combat | Next Generation of Mixed Martial Arts!.
  10. ^ UFC (November 5, 2017). Dana White: Lookin’ for a Fight – New York. Retrieved June 5, 2024 – via YouTube.
  11. ^ "LI's Dvalishvili to debut at UFC Fresno". Newsday.
  12. ^ "UFC Fight Night 123 results: Frankie Saenz outworks Merab Dvalishvili for controversial split decision". MMA Junkie. December 10, 2017.
  13. ^ Erickson, Matt. "Fighter Ricky Simon wins by TKO after final bell at UFC Fight Night 128". USA TODAY.
  14. ^ a b "UFC Fight Night 128 bonuses: That wacky Simon-Dvalishvili bout was 'Fight of Night'". MMAjunkie. April 22, 2018. Retrieved February 10, 2019.
  15. ^ Steven Marrocco (April 27, 2018). "NJSACB denies Merab Dvalishvili's appeal, upholds UFC Atlantic City win for Ricky Simon". MMAjunkie.com.
  16. ^ Marcel Dorff (March 16, 2017). "Cage Fury FC Kampioen Jared Gordon tekent UFC contract MMA DNA" (in Dutch). Retrieved June 20, 2022.
  17. ^ "UFC Fight Night 136 results: Merab Dvalishvili mauls Terrion Ware, calls for fight with Sean O'Malley". MMA Junkie. September 15, 2018.
  18. ^ "Winnipeg bantamweight Brad Katona added to UFC Vancouver card - Sportsnet.ca". www.sportsnet.ca. Retrieved November 20, 2019.
  19. ^ Pearson, Andrew (May 4, 2019). "Merab Dvalishvili Defeats Katona Via Wrestling". MMAmania.com.
  20. ^ Marcel Dorff (December 19, 2019). "Bantamweight clash between Casey Kenney and Merab Dvalishvili for UFC Rio Rancho". mmadna.nl. Retrieved June 20, 2022.(in Dutch)
  21. ^ Evanoff, Josh (February 15, 2020). "UFC Rio Rancho Results: Merab Dvalishvili Dominates Casey Kenney". Cageside Press. Retrieved February 17, 2020.
  22. ^ Datta, Soumik (June 5, 2020). "Ray Borg vs Merab Dvalishvili reportedly set for UFC's June 13 event". www.sportskeeda.com. Retrieved June 8, 2020.
  23. ^ Nolan King and John Morgan (June 11, 2020). "Ray Borg out of UFC on ESPN 10, Dvalisvhili now fights Combate Americas champ Lopez (UPDATE)". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved June 11, 2020.
  24. ^ Bitter, Shawn (June 13, 2020). "UFC on ESPN 10 Results: Merab Dvalishvili's Pace Too Much for Gustavo Lopez". Cageside Press. Retrieved June 14, 2020.
  25. ^ "John Dodson vs. Merab Dvalishvili added to UFC 252 lineup". MMA Junkie. July 15, 2020. Retrieved July 16, 2020.
  26. ^ Vreeland, Daniel (August 15, 2020). "UFC 252 Results: Merab Dvalishvili Blankets John Dodson to Decision". Cageside Press. Retrieved August 16, 2020.
  27. ^ Farah Hannoun (September 24, 2020). "Merab Dvalishvili vs. Cody Stamann joins UFC's Dec. 5 lineup". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved September 24, 2020.
  28. ^ Giorgi Kokiashvili (October 22, 2020). "The fight between Merab Dvalishvili and Kodi Staman failed". adjarasport.com. Retrieved October 22, 2020. (in Georgian)
  29. ^ Farah Hannoun (November 13, 2020). "Streaking bantamweights Merab Dvalishvili and Raoni Barcelos meet at UFC Fight Night on Dec. 5". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved November 13, 2020.
  30. ^ Jay Pettry (November 19, 2020). "Raoni Barcelos pulled from Merab Dvalishvili matchup at UFC on ESPN 19". sherdog.com. Retrieved November 19, 2020.
  31. ^ Jamal Boussenaf (January 9, 2021). "BREAKING: Cody Stamann vs. Merab Dvalishvili nu op 6 februari". MMA DNA (in Dutch). Retrieved June 20, 2022.
  32. ^ Marcel Dorff (January 15, 2021). "Merab Dvalishvili out, Andre Ewell pakt short notice partij op 6 februari tegen Cody Stamann". MMA DNA (in Dutch). Retrieved June 20, 2022.
  33. ^ Jay Anderson (February 1, 2021). "Andre Ewell out of fight against Cody Stamann at UFC Vegas 18". cagesidepress.com. Retrieved February 2, 2021.
  34. ^ Staff (February 2, 2021). "Updates to UFC Fight Night: Overeem vs. Volkov". ufc.com. Retrieved February 3, 2021.
  35. ^ Alexander K. Lee (February 6, 2021). "Askar Askar not medically cleared to compete, fight with Cody Stamann off UFC Vegas 18". mmafighting.com. Retrieved February 6, 2021.
  36. ^ Mike Bohn and Farah Hannounn (March 10, 2021). "Merab Dvalishvili vs. Cody Stamann booked again, this time for UFC Fight Night on May 1". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved March 10, 2021.
  37. ^ "UFC on ESPN 23 results: Merab Dvalishvili outworks Cody Stamann, calls out Dominick Cruz". MMA Junkie. May 2, 2021. Retrieved May 2, 2021.
  38. ^ Marcel Dorff (June 15, 2021). "Marlon Moraes vs. Merab Dvalishvili toegevoegd aan UFC 266 op 25 september". MMA DNA (in Dutch). Retrieved June 20, 2022.
  39. ^ Anderson, Jay (September 25, 2021). "UFC 266 Results: Merab Dvalishvili Survives Near Finish, Finishes Marlon Moraes in Signature Win". Cageside Press. Retrieved September 26, 2021.
  40. ^ a b "UFC 266 bonuses: Alexander Volkanovski and Brian Ortega's classic title fight among winners". MMA Junkie. September 26, 2021. Retrieved September 26, 2021.
  41. ^ Damon Martin (June 16, 2022). "Jose Aldo vs. Merab Dvalishvili in the works for UFC 278 in August". mmafighting.com. Retrieved June 17, 2022.
  42. ^ Dewar, Val (August 20, 2022). "UFC 278: Merab Dvalishvili Secures Biggest Win Yet Over Jose Aldo". Cageside Press. Retrieved August 22, 2022.
  43. ^ Nolan King (January 17, 2023). "Petr Yan vs. Merab Dvalishvili headlines UFC Fight Night 221". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved January 17, 2023.
  44. ^ "UFC Fight Night 221 post-event facts: Merab Dvalishvili sets takedown attempt record". MMA Junkie. March 12, 2023. Retrieved March 12, 2023.
  45. ^ Jay Anderson (March 11, 2023). "UFC Las Vegas: Merab Dvalishvili dominates ex-champ Petr Yan in standout performance". Cageside Press. Retrieved March 11, 2023.
  46. ^ "Henry Cejudo vs. Merab Dvalishvili booked for UFC 298 in February". MMA Junkie. December 10, 2023. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  47. ^ Dylan Napoleone (February 17, 2024). "UFC 298: Merab Dvalishvili Ultimately Too Much for Ex-Champ Henry Cejudo". casesidepress.com. Retrieved February 17, 2024.
  48. ^ Nolan King (July 26, 2024). "Noche UFC at Sphere gets Sean O'Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili title-fight headliner". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved July 26, 2024.
  49. ^ Staff (September 14, 2024). "UFC 306: Merab Dvalishvili's Machine-Like Wrestling Dethrones Sean O'Malley". cagesidepress.com. Retrieved September 14, 2024.
  50. ^ "Record Book | UFC". statleaders.ufc.com. Retrieved June 5, 2024.
  51. ^ Burne, Kathrine. "Merab Dvalishvili Pledges Over $350,000 To Growth Of Grappling In Georgia". Jits Magazine. Retrieved October 13, 2024.
  52. ^ Blaine Henry (October 7, 2020). "Stepan Kobenov: Combat Sambo World Champion". Fight-Library.com.
  53. ^ "Danielle Kelly Discusses Her MMA Transition After Winning at Fury Pro Grappling 2". October 31, 2021.
  54. ^ "UFC Veteran Merab Dvalishvili to Star in High Rollerz 23 Main Event". January 15, 2023.
  55. ^ "High Rollerz 23 Results: UFC Veteran Merab Dvalishvili Impresses". JitsMagazine. January 23, 2023. Retrieved January 23, 2023.
  56. ^ a b c d e f g "UFC Records - Bantamweight". statleaders.ufc.com. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
  57. ^ "UFC Records - All Fighters". statleaders.ufc.com. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
  58. ^ "UFC Records - All Divisions - Fight Stats". statleaders.ufc.com. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
  59. ^ Sherdog.com. "Merab". Sherdog. Retrieved September 26, 2021.
  60. ^ "UFC 306: O'Malley vs. Dvalishvili | MMA Event". Tapology.
Achievements
Preceded by 11th UFC Bantamweight Champion
September 14, 2024 – present 		Incumbent
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