Merab Dvalishvili – Record, Next Fight and Biography 2025

Merab Dvalishvili, the Georgian-born fighter known as “The Machine,” has become one of the most relentless forces in the UFC bantamweight division. With a professional record of 21-5-0 and a reputation for suffocating cardio, Dvalishvili has carved a path through former champions to establish himself as a top contender. This profile covers his biography, fighting record, physical stats, career timeline, and what lies ahead.

Born in Tbilisi, Georgia, Dvalishvili moved to the United States in 2012 to pursue a career in mixed martial arts. His journey is marked by perseverance, including a two-year hiatus, before returning to the sport with six consecutive victories that earned him a spot in the UFC. Today, he is recognized as the first Georgian-born champion in UFC history and is often discussed among the greatest bantamweights of all time.

This article answers the most common questions fans ask about Dvalishvili: his record, next fight, physical attributes, and the key moments that define his career. All information is drawn from official UFC records, ESPN, Sherdog, and other verified sources.

Who Is Merab Dvalishvili? Biography, Physical Stats & Background

• Dvalishvili is a Georgian-American fighter known for relentless takedown volume and cardio.
• He is ranked among the top contenders in the UFC bantamweight division.
• His win over Petr Yan solidified his status as a title threat.
• He trains at Serra-Longo Fight Team alongside elite wrestlers and strikers.
• Dvalishvili holds multiple UFC bantamweight records, including most takedowns and most control time.
• He has defeated four former champions: José Aldo, Petr Yan, Henry Cejudo, and Sean O’Malley.
• His fighting style is defined by relentless pressure and exceptional cardio.

Dvalishvili was born on January 10, 1991, in Tbilisi, Georgia. He holds both Georgian and American nationality. Before his MMA career, he was a former Georgian Sambo and Judo champion, earning a black belt in Judo, and graduated from college in Georgia with a degree in Physical Education. He worked as a construction worker before pursuing MMA full-time.

He was unbeaten in nine matches in Georgia before moving to the United States in 2012. After a two-year hiatus from the sport due to early struggles, he returned with six consecutive victories to join the UFC. He initially lost his first two UFC bouts but has since been on a historic run, defeating four former champions.

Dvalishvili holds the UFC record for most takedowns in history (119) and most takedowns attempted in a single bout (49 against Sean O’Malley). He also holds the record for most total strikes landed (2,672) and most control time (1 hour, 38 minutes, 10 seconds) in UFC bantamweight history.

What Is Merab Dvalishvili’s UFC Record & Fighting Style?

Dvalishvili’s professional MMA record stands at 21-5-0. Of his 21 wins, 13 have come by decision (76%), 3 by KO/TKO (18%), and 1 by submission (6%). His average stats include 4.42 significant strikes landed per minute, with a striking accuracy of 41% and striking defense of 54%.

His fighting style is built around relentless takedown pressure and extraordinary cardio. He uses his wrestling background to control opponents on the ground, often overwhelming them with volume. This approach has earned him the nickname “The Machine” and makes him a difficult matchup for most bantamweights.

What Team Does Merab Dvalishvili Train With?

Dvalishvili trains at the Serra-Longo Fight Team, a well-known gym based in Long Island, New York. The team is home to several elite fighters, including former champions and top contenders. His training partners provide a strong mix of wrestling, striking, and jiu-jitsu, which has helped Dvalishvili develop his well-rounded game.

Merab Dvalishvili vs Petr Yan: Fight Result & Analysis

The matchup between Dvalishvili and Petr Yan took place on March 11, 2023, at a UFC Fight Night event. Dvalishvili won the fight via a five-round unanimous decision. He landed 147 significant strikes compared to Yan’s lower output, demonstrating his superior volume and cardio over the course of the bout.

This victory was a pivotal moment in Dvalishvili’s career, proving he could compete with and defeat a former champion and elite-level striker. The win solidified his status as a legitimate title contender in the bantamweight division. Some sources indicate a subsequent loss to Petr Yan on December 6, 2025, at UFC 323, though the result is not yet universally confirmed. While Dvalishvili’s win over Petr Yan in 2023 is well-documented, information about a potential 2025 rematch and loss has not been fully established across all official sources.

What Is Merab Dvalishvili’s Next Fight? Latest Schedule

As of the latest available information, Dvalishvili’s next fight has not been officially announced. There is speculation about potential matchups based on UFC matchmaking trends. Potential opponents could include Sean O’Malley in a title fight, Marlon Vera, or Cory Sandhagen.

To stay updated on his career, fans can follow Dvalishvili on social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter, or check the UFC app for official announcements. Any injury or training camp news has not been publicly reported at this time.

For more profiles on other fighters, read about Sean Strickland – Biography, UFC Record and Personal Life.

Merab Dvalishvili Career Timeline

1. 2025: Latest update on next fight; potential loss to Petr Yan at UFC 323 reported but not universally confirmed.
2. 2024: Win over Petr Yan via unanimous decision (March 2023 event; timeline note: this is often listed in 2023-2024 context).
3. 2023: Main event win over Henry Cejudo via controversial split decision.
4. 2022: Won six consecutive fights, entered the UFC top 10 rankings.
5. 2021: First UFC main event against Marlon Moraes.
6. 2019: UFC debut against Brad Katona.
7. 2017: Competed on The Ultimate Fighter.
8. 2015: Began professional MMA career in Georgia.

What’s Confirmed vs. What’s Still Unknown About Merab Dvalishvili

Why Merab Dvalishvili Is a Threat in the Bantamweight Division

Dvalishvili’s wrestling-heavy style and exceptional cardio give him a distinct advantage over most opponents. He is able to maintain a high pace throughout all five rounds, often overwhelming fighters who fade in later rounds. His takedown volume is historically unmatched in the UFC.

When compared to other top bantamweights like Aljamain Sterling and Sean O’Malley, Dvalishvili’s style presents unique challenges. His ability to control the pace and location of the fight makes him a difficult matchup for strikers and grapplers alike. MMA analysts have noted that his relentless pressure can break opponents mentally and physically.

For another perspective on fighter health and career longevity, read about Ben Askren – Alive After Double Lung Transplant in 2025.

Expert & Official Sources on Merab Dvalishvili

The following sources provide reliable information on Dvalishvili’s career and statistics:

“Merab Dvalishvili is a Georgian-born UFC Bantamweight Champion known as ‘The Machine’ for his relentless takedown offense and cardio.”

— Official Merab Dvalishvili Website

“He is the first Georgian-born champion in UFC history and is considered one of the greatest Bantamweights of all time.”

— Official Merab Dvalishvili Website

“Dvalishvili holds the record for most takedowns in UFC history (119) and most control time in UFC Bantamweight history.”

— UFC Official Fighter Page

Additional authoritative sources include the Merab Dvalishvili Wikipedia entry, which provides a neutral biographical overview, and the ESPN Fighter Profile, which offers official sports media coverage. For statistical data, the UFC Stats Official Record and Sherdog Fighter Page are authoritative sources. Community-driven analysis can be found on the Tapology Profile.

What’s Next for Merab Dvalishvili?

While nothing is officially confirmed, speculation about Dvalishvili’s next fight points to potential matchups against Sean O’Malley in a title fight, or against top contenders like Marlon Vera or Cory Sandhagen. Any injury or training camp news remains unconfirmed at this time. To follow his career, fans can check his Instagram, Twitter, or the UFC app for official announcements.

Frequently Asked Questions About Merab Dvalishvili