Merab Dvalishvili Bio
Merab Dvalishvili is a Georgian and American professional mixed martial artist born on January 10, 1991, in Vani, Georgia. He competes in the bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and is the current UFC Bantamweight Champion. Known as “The Machine,” Dvalishvili is regarded as one of the greatest bantamweights in MMA history and is the first Georgian-born UFC champion.
Early Life and Background
Merab Dvalishvili was born in Vani, a small village in Soviet Georgia, and grew up in an independent Georgia. At age nine, he moved to Tbilisi, the capital city. From a young age, he trained in traditional Georgian wrestling styles such as kartuli ch’idaoba and khridoli, as well as sambo and judo for self-defense. At 21, he relocated to the United States to pursue a professional MMA career, training under coaches Ray Longo and Matt Serra.
Path to MMA
Dvalishvili began his MMA career in 2014, competing in various promotions including Cage Fury Fighting Championships and Ring of Combat. After defending his Ring of Combat title and amassing a 7–2 record, he was featured on Dana White’s “Lookin’ for a Fight” series, where a highlight spinning backfist knockout earned him a UFC contract. This marked his transition to the premier level of mixed martial arts competition.
Merab Dvalishvili Career
Early Career (2014–2017)
Starting in 2014, Dvalishvili fought in regional promotions, honing his skills and gaining experience. Despite losing his professional debut, he quickly developed a reputation for relentless pressure and grappling prowess. His performance on Dana White’s “Lookin’ for a Fight” in 2017, where he scored a first-round spinning backfist knockout, was pivotal in securing his UFC contract.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2017–Present)
Dvalishvili made his UFC debut in December 2017 but faced early setbacks with two losses to Frankie Saenz and Ricky Simón. Demonstrating resilience, he embarked on a 14-fight winning streak, one of the longest in UFC history, defeating former champions such as José Aldo, Petr Yan, Henry Cejudo, and Sean O’Malley. His relentless pace and record-setting takedown ability have defined his UFC tenure.
In September 2024, Dvalishvili captured the UFC Bantamweight Championship by defeating Sean O’Malley via unanimous decision. He successfully defended the title multiple times, including victories over Umar Nurmagomedov, Sean O’Malley in a rematch by submission, and Cory Sandhagen. His upcoming fourth title defense against Petr Yan in December 2025 could set a historic record for most title defenses in a calendar year.
Serra-Longo Fight Team Era (Present)
Training with the Serra-Longo Fight Team, Dvalishvili has refined his high-pressure wrestling and striking. His partnership with coaches Ray Longo and Matt Serra has been instrumental in his development, enabling him to maintain exceptional cardiovascular endurance and a diverse offensive arsenal. His current form reflects a fighter at the peak of his career, combining technical skill with relentless aggression.
Fighting Style and Strengths
Dvalishvili is renowned for his extraordinary cardiovascular fitness and muscular endurance, allowing him to maintain a high pace throughout fights. He holds the UFC record for most takedowns landed, with 117 successful takedowns. His style features aggressive clinch work, frequent takedown attempts, and dynamic striking including spinning attacks. His ability to pressure opponents relentlessly makes him a formidable competitor in the bantamweight division.
Notable Events and Milestones
Merab Dvalishvili’s career is highlighted by his record-breaking takedown statistics and his status as the first Georgian-born UFC champion. His 14-fight winning streak ranks among the longest in UFC history. Notable moments include his comeback TKO victory over Marlon Moraes and his submission win in a title defense rematch against Sean O’Malley. He has earned multiple Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night awards.
Merab Dvalishvili Career Wins
Merab Dvalishvili has accumulated 21 professional MMA wins out of 25 fights, with victories achieved by decision, knockout, and submission. His UFC tenure features numerous wins over top-ranked opponents and former champions, underscoring his elite status in the bantamweight division.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Highlights
Dvalishvili’s UFC career includes 21 wins, with a notable first UFC victory by unanimous decision against Terrion Ware in 2018. His most recent wins include successful title defenses in 2025, highlighted by a submission victory over Sean O’Malley. His consistent performance in the UFC playoffs and title bouts has cemented his reputation as a dominant bantamweight.
Other Wins & Performances
Before joining the UFC, Dvalishvili won the Ring of Combat bantamweight title and competed successfully in other regional promotions. In professional grappling, he earned a silver medal at the 2019 World Sambo Championships and a gold medal at the 2024 U.S. National Combat Sambo Tournament, showcasing his versatile combat skills.
Merab Dvalishvili Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details about Merab Dvalishvili’s family background are limited. He was born and raised in Georgia and later moved to the United States to pursue his MMA career.
Personal Life
Dvalishvili became a naturalized American citizen in March 2024. Prior to his full-time fighting career, he worked in construction. He maintains a close friendship with fellow UFC fighter and Serra-Longo teammate Aljamain Sterling. Dvalishvili has donated prize money earned from his UFC title to support grappling in Georgia.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Merab Dvalishvili has solidified his position as the UFC Bantamweight Champion with multiple successful title defenses. His victories over Umar Nurmagomedov, Sean O’Malley, and Cory Sandhagen demonstrate his dominance and adaptability. Training with Serra-Longo Fight Team, he continues to refine his strategy and maintain peak physical condition. His upcoming defense against Petr Yan at UFC 323 presents an opportunity to make history with four title defenses in a single calendar year.