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{{Short description|Georgian American mixed martial artist}}
{{Short description|Georgian-American mixed martial artist (born 1991)}}
{{pp|small=yes}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2024}}
{{Infobox martial artist
{{Infobox martial artist
| name = Merab Dvalishvili
| name = Merab Dvalishvili
| image = Merab Dvalishvili at UFN 136 in Moscow.jpg
| image =
| image_size =
| image_size =
| caption = Merab Dvalishvili at UFC Fight Night 136 in Moscow, September 2018
| caption =
| birth_name =
| birth_name =
| other_names = The Machine
| other_names = The Machine
| nationality = Georgian <br> American<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-12 |title=Meet Merab: From juggling move to U.S. and construction job, O'Malley's next opponent owns unique backstory |url=https://www.montanasports.com/more-sports/sean-omalley/meet-merab-from-juggling-move-to-u-s-and-construction-job-omalleys-next-opponent-owns-unique-backstory#:~:text=A%20native%20of%20the%20Republic,lost%20his%20first%20two%20fights. |access-date=2024-09-29 |website=MontanaSports.com (MTSPX) |language=en}}</ref>
| nationality = Georgian
| ethnicity =
| ethnicity =
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1991|01|10}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1991|01|10}}
| birth_place = [[Tbilisi]], Georgia
| birth_place = [[Tbilisi]], [[Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic|Georgian SSR]], Soviet Union
| fighting_out_of = [[Long Island]], [[ New York (state)|New York]], United States<ref name="ROC">{{Cite web|url=http://ringofcombat.com/updates/merab-dvalishvili-brings-his-country’s-fighting-spirit-to-roc-58|title=Merab Dvalishvili brings his country's fighting spirit to ROC 58 {{!}} Lou Neglia's Ring of Combat {{!}} Next Generation of Mixed Martial Arts!|website=Merab Dvalishvili brings his country’s fighting spirit to ROC 58 {{!}} Lou Neglia's Ring of Combat {{!}} Next Generation of Mixed Martial Arts!|access-date=2019-11-20}}</ref>
| fighting_out_of = [[Long Island]], [[ New York (state)|New York]], U.S.<ref name="ROC">{{Cite web|url=http://ringofcombat.com/updates/merab-dvalishvili-brings-his-country’s-fighting-spirit-to-roc-58|title=Merab Dvalishvili brings his country's fighting spirit to ROC 58 {{!}} Lou Neglia's Ring of Combat {{!}} Next Generation of Mixed Martial Arts!|website=Merab Dvalishvili brings his country’s fighting spirit to ROC 58 {{!}} Lou Neglia's Ring of Combat {{!}} Next Generation of Mixed Martial Arts!|access-date=2019-11-20}}</ref>
| death_date =
| death_date =
| death_place =
| death_place =
| height = {{height|ft=5|in=6}}
| height = {{height|ft=5|in=6}}
| weight_lb = 135
| weight_lb = 135
| weight_class = [[Bantamweight (MMA)|Bantamweight]]
| weight_class = [[Bantamweight (MMA)|Bantamweight]] (2014–present) <br> [[Featherweight (MMA)|Featherweight]] (2016) <br>
| reach_in = 68<ref name="UFCProfileStats">{{Cite web|url=http://ufcstats.com/fighter-details/c03520b5c88ed6b4|title=Stats {{!}} UFC|website=ufcstats.com|access-date=2019-11-20}}</ref>
| reach_in = 68<ref name="UFCProfileStats">{{Cite web|url=http://ufcstats.com/fighter-details/c03520b5c88ed6b4|title=Stats {{!}} UFC|website=ufcstats.com|access-date=2019-11-20}}</ref>
| style =
| style = [[Sambo (martial art)|Sambo]]<ref name=ufcprofile>{{cite web|url=http://media.ufc.com/fighter/merab-dvalishvili|title=Merab Dvalishvili - Official UFC Profile|website=media.ufc.com|access-date=August 18, 2020}}</ref>
| rank = [[Black belt (martial arts)|Black belt]] in [[judo]]<ref name=ufcprofile>{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/athlete/merab-dvalishvili|title=Merab Dvalishvili {{!}} UFC|website=UFC.com|date=14 September 2018 |accessdate=June 6, 2021}}</ref><br>[[Brazilian_jiu-jitsu_ranking_system#Purple_belt|Purple belt]] in [[Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu]]<ref name=Sportskeeda>{{cite web|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/mma/news-an-absolute-menace-purple-belt-merab-dvalishvili-s-video-two-mystery-women-fans-splits|title="An absolute menace" - "Purple belt" Merab Dvalishvili's video with two mystery women has fans in splits|website=sportskeeda.com|date=13 January 2024 |accessdate=September 12, 2024}}</ref>
| rank = Black belt in [[Judo]]<ref name=ufcprofile />
| stance = Orthodox<ref name="UFCProfileStats" />
| stance = Orthodox<ref name="UFCProfileStats" />
| teacher =
| teacher =
| team = [[Serra-Longo Fight Team]] (2013–present)<ref>{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=988Gs4U7U9c|title=Merab Reacts to Aljamain Sterling Potentially Giving Up Bantamweight Title For Him - MMA Fighting|date=June 2, 2022|author=Ariel Helwani|via=YouTube}}</ref>
| team = [[Serra-Longo Fight Team]]
| trainer = [[Ray Longo]] and [[Matt Serra]]<ref name="ROC" />
| trainer = [[Ray Longo]] and [[Matt Serra]]<ref name="ROC" />
| years_active = 2014–present
| years_active = 2014–present
Line 31: Line 33:
| kickbox_draw =
| kickbox_draw =
| kickbox_nc =
| kickbox_nc =
| mma_kowin = 2
| mma_kowin = 3
| mma_subwin = 1
| mma_subwin = 1
| mma_decwin = 10
| mma_decwin = 14
| mma_koloss =
| mma_koloss =
| mma_subloss = 1
| mma_subloss = 1
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| boxrec =
| boxrec =
| sherdog = 157355
| sherdog = 157355
| medaltemplates =

{{Medal|Country| {{GEO}} }}
|medaltemplates =
{{Medal|Sport| [[Sambo (martial art)|Combat Sambo]] }}
{{MedalCountry|{{GEO}}}}
{{MedalSport| Men's [[Sambo (martial art)|Combat Sambo]]}}
{{Medal|Competition| [[World Sambo Championships|World Championships]] }}
{{Medal|S| 2019 Cheongju | 68&nbsp;kg }}
{{MedalCompetition|[[World Sambo Championships|World Championships]]}}
{{MedalSilver|2019 [[Cheongju]]|68&nbsp;kg}}
}}
}}

'''Merab Dvalishvili''' (born January 10, 1991) is a Georgian American professional [[mixed martial arts|mixed martial artist]]. He currently competes in the [[Ultimate Fighting Championship|UFC]]'s [[Bantamweight (MMA)|bantamweight]] division. As of May 10, 2021, he is #10 in the [[List of current UFC fighters#Rankings|UFC bantamweight rankings]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/rankings|title=Rankings {{!}} UFC|website=www.ufc.com|access-date=2021-05-11}}</ref>
'''Merab Dvalishvili''' ({{lang-ka|მერაბ დვალიშვილი}}, {{IPA|ka|ˈmerab ˈdʷaliʃvili}}; born January 10, 1991) is a Georgian professional [[mixed martial arts|mixed martial artist]]. He currently competes in the [[Bantamweight (MMA)|Bantamweight]] division of the [[Ultimate Fighting Championship]] (UFC), where he is the current [[UFC Bantamweight Championship|UFC Bantamweight Champion]]. Dvalishvili is the second Georgian to win a UFC title after [[Ilia Topuria]].<ref name="UFC306">{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/ufc-306-post-event-facts-merab-dvalishvilis-streak-reaches-historic-status-in-title-win-vs-sean-omalley|title=UFC 306 post-event facts: Merab Dvalishvili's streak reaches historic status in title win vs. Sean O'Malley|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Mike Bohn|date=2024-09-15|access-date=2024-09-15}}</ref> As of September 17, 2024, he is #7 in the [[List of current UFC fighters#Rankings|UFC men's pound-for-pound rankings]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=UFC Rankings, Division Rankings, P4P rankings, UFC Champions {{!}} UFC.com |url=https://www.ufc.com/rankings |access-date=2024-09-17|website=www.ufc.com}}</ref>


==Background==
==Background==
Dvalishvili grew up in [[Tbilisi]], Georgia. He started training in qartuli chidaoba (traditional wrestling) and [[khridoli]] (transitional fighting), [[Sambo (martial art)|Sambo]] and [[judo]] when he was young for self-defense and moved to the United States when he was 21 years old to become a professional MMA fighter. He trains under [[Ray Longo]] and [[Matt Serra]].<ref name="ROC" />
Dvalishvili was born in [[Tbilisi]], [[Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic|Georgian SSR]] and grew up in an independent [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]]. He started training at a young age, training in ''qartuli chidaoba'' (traditional wrestling), ''[[khridoli]]'' (traditional fighting), [[Sambo (martial art)|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]].<ref name="ROC" />

In 2019, Dvalishvili finished second in the Sambo World Championships in Korea. Dvalishvili competed in combat sambo at 68 kilograms and lost in the finals to Russia's Stepan Kobenov.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://fight-library.com/2020/10/07/stepan-kobenov-combat-sambo-world-champion/|title=Stepan Kobenov: Combat Sambo World Champion|publisher=Fight-Library.com|author=Blaine Henry|date=October 7, 2020}}</ref>


== Mixed martial arts career ==
== Mixed martial arts career ==
===Early career===
===Early career===
Dvalishvili started his MMA career in 2014 and fought under various promotions namely the Ring of Combat. He amassed a record of 7–2 prior to competing in the [[UFC]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Merab Dvalishvili {{!}} Lou Neglia's Ring of Combat {{!}} Next Generation of Mixed Martial Arts! |url=http://ringofcombat.com/roster/merab-dvalishvili |website=Merab Dvalishvili {{!}} Lou Neglia's Ring of Combat {{!}} Next Generation of Mixed Martial Arts!}}</ref>
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]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Merab Dvalishvili {{!}} Lou Neglia's Ring of Combat {{!}} Next Generation of Mixed Martial Arts! |url=http://ringofcombat.com/roster/merab-dvalishvili |website=Merab Dvalishvili {{!}} Lou Neglia's Ring of Combat {{!}} Next Generation of Mixed Martial Arts!}}</ref>

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 [[Punch (combat)|spinning backfist]] KO 15 seconds into the first round and was subsequently awarded a contract by UFC President [[Dana White]].<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEo-G6beICw |title=Dana White: Lookin’ for a Fight – New York |date=2017-11-05 |last=UFC |access-date=2024-06-05 |via=YouTube}}</ref>


=== Ultimate Fighting Championship ===
=== Ultimate Fighting Championship ===
Dvalishvili made his UFC debut on December 9, 2017 against [[Frankie Saenz]] at [[UFC Fight Night: Swanson vs. Ortega]].<ref>{{cite web |title=LI's Dvalishvili to debut at UFC Fresno |url=https://www.newsday.com/sports/mixed-martial-arts/li-s-merab-dvalishvili-to-make-ufc-debut-at-ufc-fight-night-in-fresno-1.15354973 |website=Newsday |language=en}}</ref> He lost the fight via split decision.<ref>{{cite web |title=UFC Fight Night 123 results: Frankie Saenz outworks Merab Dvalishvili for split decision |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2017/12/ufc-fight-night-123-results-frankie-saenz-outworks-merab-dvalishvili-split-decision-fresno |website=MMA Junkie |language=en |date=10 December 2017}}</ref>
Dvalishvili made his UFC debut on December 9, 2017, against [[Frankie Saenz]] at [[UFC Fight Night: Swanson vs. Ortega]].<ref>{{cite web |title=LI's Dvalishvili to debut at UFC Fresno |url=https://www.newsday.com/sports/mixed-martial-arts/li-s-merab-dvalishvili-to-make-ufc-debut-at-ufc-fight-night-in-fresno-1.15354973 |website=Newsday |language=en}}</ref> He lost the fight via split decision.<ref>{{cite web |title=UFC Fight Night 123 results: Frankie Saenz outworks Merab Dvalishvili for controversial split decision |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2017/12/ufc-fight-night-123-results-frankie-saenz-outworks-merab-dvalishvili-split-decision-fresno |website=MMA Junkie |language=en |date=10 December 2017}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite web |last=Erickson|first=Matt|title=Fighter Ricky Simon wins by TKO after final bell at UFC Fight Night 128 |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ufc/2018/04/21/ricky-simon-merab-dvalishvili-ufc-fight-night-128/539876002/ |website=USA TODAY}}</ref> This fight earned him the [[List of UFC bonus award recipients|''Fight of the Night'']] award.<ref name=ufn128b>{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.com/2018/04/ufc-fight-night-128-bonuses-that-wacky-simon-dvalishvili-bout-was-fight-of-night|title=UFC Fight Night 128 bonuses: That wacky Simon-Dvalishvili bout was 'Fight of Night'|date=2018-04-22|website=MMAjunkie|language=en|access-date=2019-02-10}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2018/04/njsacb-denies-merab-dvalishvili-appeal-upholds-ufc-atlantic-city-win-ricky-simon|title=NJSACB denies Merab Dvalishvili's appeal, upholds UFC Atlantic City win for Ricky Simon|author=Steven Marrocco|date=April 27, 2018|work=[[MMAjunkie.com]]}}</ref>

Dvalishvili faced [[Terrion Ware]] on September 15, 2018, at [[UFC Fight Night: Hunt vs. Oleinik]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mmadna.nl/cage-fury-fc-kampioen-jared-gordon-tekent-ufc-contract/|title=Cage Fury FC Kampioen Jared Gordon tekent UFC contract MMA DNA|author=Marcel Dorff|date=16 March 2017 |language=nl|access-date=2022-06-20}}</ref> He won the fight via unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite web |title=UFC Fight Night 136 results: Merab Dvalishvili mauls Terrion Ware, calls for fight with Sean O'Malley |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2018/09/ufc-fight-night-136-moscow-russia-results-merab-dvalishvili-mauls-terrion-ware-sean-omalley-callout |website=MMA Junkie |language=en |date=15 September 2018}}</ref>

Dvalishvili faced [[Brad Katona]] on May 4, 2019, at [[UFC Fight Night: Iaquinta vs. Cowboy]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/mma/ufc/winnipeg-bantamweight-brad-katona-added-ufc-vancouver-card/|title=Winnipeg bantamweight Brad Katona added to UFC Vancouver card - Sportsnet.ca|website=www.sportsnet.ca|access-date=2019-11-20}}</ref> He won the fight via unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Pearson |first1=Andrew |title=Merab Dvalishvili Defeats Katona Via Wrestling |url=https://www.mmamania.com/2019/5/4/18529572/ufc-fight-night-151-results-merab-dvalishvili-defeats-brad-katona-via-wrestling |website=MMAmania.com |language=en |date=4 May 2019}}</ref>

Dvalishvili faced [[Casey Kenney]] on February 15, 2020, at [[UFC Fight Night 167]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mmadna.nl/bantamweightclash-tussen-casey-kenney-en-merab-dvalishvili-voor-ufc-rio-rancho/|title=Bantamweight clash between Casey Kenney and Merab Dvalishvili for UFC Rio Rancho|author=Marcel Dorff|publisher=mmadna.nl|date=2019-12-19|access-date=2022-06-20}}{{in lang|nl}}</ref> He won the fight by unanimous decision.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2020/02/15/ufc-rio-rancho-results-merab-dvalishvili-dominates-casey-kenney/|title=UFC Rio Rancho Results: Merab Dvalishvili Dominates Casey Kenney|last=Evanoff|first=Josh|date=2020-02-15|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US|access-date=2020-02-17}}</ref>

Dvalishvili was scheduled to face [[Ray Borg]] on June 13, 2020, at [[UFC on ESPN: Eye vs. Calvillo]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Datta|first=Soumik|date=2020-06-05|title=Ray Borg vs Merab Dvalishvili reportedly set for UFC's June 13 event|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/mma/news-ray-borg-vs-merab-dvalishvili-reportedly-set-for-ufc-s-june-13-event|access-date=2020-06-08|website=www.sportskeeda.com|language=en}}</ref> However, on June 11, 2020, it was reported that Borg withdrew from the bout and he was replaced by promotional newcomer [[Gustavo Lopez (fighter)|Gustavo Lopez]] in a catchweight bout of 140 pounds.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/06/ray-borg-out-of-ufc-on-espn-10-merab-dvalisvhili-now-fights-combate-americas-champ-gustavo-lopez|title=Ray Borg out of UFC on ESPN 10, Dvalisvhili now fights Combate Americas champ Lopez (UPDATE)|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Nolan King and John Morgan|date=2020-06-11|access-date=2020-06-11}}</ref> Dvalishvili was victorious via unanimous decision.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Bitter|first=Shawn|date=2020-06-13|title=UFC on ESPN 10 Results: Merab Dvalishvili's Pace Too Much for Gustavo Lopez|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2020/06/13/ufc-on-espn-10-results-merab-dvalishvili-vs-gustavo-lopez/|access-date=2020-06-14|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}</ref>

Dvalishvili faced [[John Dodson (fighter)|John Dodson]] on August 15, 2020, at [[UFC 252]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-15|title=John Dodson vs. Merab Dvalishvili added to UFC 252 lineup|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/07/ufc-252-john-dodson-vs-merab-dvalishvili-added-to-las-vegas-lineup|access-date=2020-07-16|website=MMA Junkie|language=en}}</ref> He won the fight via unanimous decision.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Vreeland|first=Daniel|date=2020-08-15|title=UFC 252 Results: Merab Dvalishvili Blankets John Dodson to Decision|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2020/08/15/ufc-252-results-merab-dvalishvili-blankets-john-dodson-to-decision/|access-date=2020-08-16|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}</ref>

Dvalishvili was expected to face [[Cody Stamann]] on December 5, 2020, at [[UFC on ESPN 19]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/09/merab-dvalishvili-vs-cody-stamann-joins-ufcs-dec-5-lineup|title=Merab Dvalishvili vs. Cody Stamann joins UFC's Dec. 5 lineup|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Farah Hannoun|date=2020-09-24|access-date=2020-09-24}}</ref> However, on October 22, it was announced that Stamann pulled out due to undisclosed reasons,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://adjarasport.com/ufc/posts/merab-dvalishvilis-da-kodi-stamanis-brdzola-chaishala-481730|title=The fight between Merab Dvalishvili and Kodi Staman failed|publisher=adjarasport.com|author=Giorgi Kokiashvili|date=2020-10-22|access-date=2020-10-22}} {{in lang|ka}}</ref> and he was replaced by [[Raoni Barcelos]].<ref name="BarcelosIn">{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/11/merab-dvalishvili-vs-raoni-barcelos-ufc-fight-night-december-5-mma-booking|title=Streaking bantamweights Merab Dvalishvili and Raoni Barcelos meet at UFC Fight Night on Dec. 5|author=Farah Hannoun|website=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|date=2020-11-13|access-date=2020-11-13}}</ref> However, Barcelos was removed from the contest due to a medical suspension related to his latest bout on [[UFC Fight Night: Santos vs. Teixeira|November 7]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Raoni-Barcelos-Pulled-From-Merab-Dvalishvili-Matchup-at-UFC-on-ESPN-19-176310|title=Raoni Barcelos pulled from Merab Dvalishvili matchup at UFC on ESPN 19|author=Jay Pettry|publisher=sherdog.com|date=2020-11-19|access-date=2020-11-19}}</ref> The bout between Dvalishvili and Stamann was rescheduled for [[UFC Fight Night 184]] on February 6, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Jamal Boussenaf|date=2021-01-09|title=BREAKING: Cody Stamann vs. Merab Dvalishvili nu op 6 februari|url=https://mmadna.nl/breaking-cody-stamann-vs-merab-dvalishvili-nu-op-6-februari/|access-date=2022-06-20|website=MMA DNA|language=nl}}</ref> 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]].<ref>{{Cite web|author=Marcel Dorff|date=2021-01-15|title=Merab Dvalishvili out, Andre Ewell pakt short notice partij op 6 februari tegen Cody Stamann|url=https://mmadna.nl/merab-dvalishvili-out-andre-ewell-pakt-short-notice-partij-op-6-februari-tegen-cody-stamann/|access-date=2022-06-20|website=MMA DNA|language=nl}}</ref> After a [[COVID-19 testing|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.<ref name="Stamann vs. Askar">{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2021/02/01/andre-ewell-out-of-fight-against-cody-stamann-at-ufc-vegas-18/|title=Andre Ewell out of fight against Cody Stamann at UFC Vegas 18|publisher=cagesidepress.com|author=Jay Anderson|date=2021-02-01|access-date=2021-02-02}}</ref><ref name="Updates">{{Cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/updates-ufc-fight-night-overeem-vs-volkov|title=Updates to UFC Fight Night: Overeem vs. Volkov|publisher=ufc.com|author=Staff|date=2021-02-02|access-date=2021-02-03}}</ref> On the day of the event, Askar was not medically cleared and the bout was canceled.<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/2/6/22270116/askar-askar-not-medically-cleared-to-compete-fight-with-cody-stamann-off-ufc-vegas-18|title=Askar Askar not medically cleared to compete, fight with Cody Stamann off UFC Vegas 18|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Alexander K. Lee|date=2021-02-06|access-date=2021-02-06}}</ref> The bout between Dvalishvili and Stamann was rescheduled again to May 1, 2021, at [[UFC on ESPN: Reyes vs. Procházka]].<ref name="taketwo">{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/03/ufc-news-merab-dvalishvili-vs-cody-stamann-booked-third-time-may-1-fight-night|title=Merab Dvalishvili vs. Cody Stamann booked again, this time for UFC Fight Night on May 1|website=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Mike Bohn and Farah Hannounn|date=2021-03-10|access-date=2021-03-10}}</ref> Dvalishvili won the bout via unanimous decision.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-05-02|title=UFC on ESPN 23 results: Merab Dvalishvili outworks Cody Stamann, calls out Dominick Cruz|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/05/ufc-espn-23-results-merab-dvalishvili-outworks-cody-stamann-callout-dominick-cruz|access-date=2021-05-02|website=MMA Junkie|language=en-US}}</ref>

Dvalishvili faced [[Marlon Moraes]] on September 25, 2021, at [[UFC 266]].<ref>{{Cite web|author=Marcel Dorff|date=2021-06-15|title=Marlon Moraes vs. Merab Dvalishvili toegevoegd aan UFC 266 op 25 september|url=https://mmadna.nl/marlon-moraes-vs-merab-dvalishvili-toegevoegd-aan-ufc-266-op-25-september/|access-date=2022-06-20|website=MMA DNA|language=nl}}</ref> After being knocked down and nearly finished in the first round, Dvalishvili rallied and won the fight via TKO in round two. <ref>{{Cite web|last=Anderson|first=Jay|date=2021-09-25|title=UFC 266 Results: Merab Dvalishvili Survives Near Finish, Finishes Marlon Moraes in Signature Win|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2021/09/25/ufc-266-results-marlon-moraes-vs-merab-dvalishvili/|access-date=2021-09-26|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}</ref> This win earned him the ''[[List of UFC bonus award recipients|Performance of the Night]]'' award.<ref name="UFC 266">{{Cite web|date=2021-09-26|title=UFC 266 bonuses: Alexander Volkanovski and Brian Ortega's classic title fight among winners|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/ufc-266-bonuses-alexander-volkanovski-and-brian-ortegas-classic-title-fight-among-winners|access-date=2021-09-26|website=MMA Junkie|language=en-US}}</ref>

Dvalishvili faced former [[list of UFC Champions#Featherweight Championship|UFC Featherweight]] champion [[José Aldo]] on August 20, 2022, at [[UFC 278]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2022/6/16/23171715/jose-aldo-vs-merab-dvalishvili-in-the-works-for-ufc-278-in-august|title=Jose Aldo vs. Merab Dvalishvili in the works for UFC 278 in August|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Damon Martin|date=2022-06-16|access-date=2022-06-17}}</ref> He won the bout via unanimous decision.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dewar |first=Val |date=2022-08-20 |title=UFC 278: Merab Dvalishvili Secures Biggest Win Yet Over Jose Aldo |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2022/08/20/ufc-278-jose-aldo-vs-merab-dvalishvilli/ |access-date=2022-08-22 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}}</ref>

Dvalishvili faced former [[list of UFC Champions#Bantamweight Championship|UFC Bantamweight]] champion [[Petr Yan]] on March 11, 2023, at [[UFC Fight Night: Yan vs. Dvalishvili]].<ref name="Main event">{{Cite web |author=Nolan King |date=2023-01-17 |title=Petr Yan vs. Merab Dvalishvili headlines UFC Fight Night 221 |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2023/01/ufc-fight-night-221-merab-dvalishvili-vs-petr-yan-main-event |access-date=2023-01-17 |publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com}}</ref> He won the fight via unanimous decision. Dvalishvili, breaking the UFC record for most takedowns attempted in a single bout with 49 attempts.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-12 |title=UFC Fight Night 221 post-event facts: Merab Dvalishvili sets takedown attempt record |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/ufc-fight-night-221-post-event-facts-merab-dvalishvili-sets-takedown-attempt-record |access-date=2023-03-12 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2023/03/11/ufc-las-vegas-petr-yan-vs-merab-dvalishvili/|title=UFC Las Vegas: Merab Dvalishvili dominates ex-champ Petr Yan in standout performance|website=Cageside Press|author=Jay Anderson|date=2023-03-11|access-date=2023-03-11}}</ref>

Dvalishvili faced former [[list of UFC Champions#Flyweight Championship|UFC Flyweight]] and [[list of UFC Champions#Bantamweight Championship|Bantamweight]] champion [[Henry Cejudo]] on February 17, 2024, at [[UFC 298]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-10 |title=Henry Cejudo vs. Merab Dvalishvili booked for UFC 298 in February |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2023/12/ufc-298-henry-cejudo-vs-merab-dvalishvili-booked-february-anaheim-bantamweight |access-date=2023-12-11 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}}</ref> In a bout where five takedowns were landed, Dvalishvili won by unanimous decision.<ref name="ufc298">{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2024/02/17/ufc-298-merab-dvalishvili-ultimately-too-much-for-ex-champ-henry-cejudo/|title=UFC 298: Merab Dvalishvili Ultimately Too Much for Ex-Champ Henry Cejudo|publisher=casesidepress.com|author=Dylan Napoleone|date=2024-02-17|access-date=2024-02-17}}</ref>

==== UFC Bantamweight Championship ====
Dvalishvili faced [[Sean O'Malley (fighter)|Sean O'Malley]] for the [[List of UFC champions#Bantamweight Championship|UFC Bantamweight Championship]] on September 14, 2024 at [[UFC 306]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2024/07/ufc-306-sean-omalley-vs-merab-dvalishvili-headlines-sphere-card|title=Noche UFC at Sphere gets Sean O'Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili title-fight headliner|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Nolan King|date=2024-07-26|access-date=2024-07-26}}</ref> He won the fight and the title by unanimous decision.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2024/09/15/ufc-306-merab-dvalishvilis-machine-like-wrestling-dethrones-sean-omalley/|title=UFC 306: Merab Dvalishvili’s Machine-Like Wrestling Dethrones Sean O’Malley|publisher=cagesidepress.com|author=Staff|date=2024-09-14|access-date=2024-09-14}}</ref>

Dvalishvili is scheduled to make his first title defense against undefeated contender [[Umar Nurmagomedov]] on January 18, 2025 at [[UFC 311]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2024/12/ufc-311-news-merab-dvalishvili-vs-umar-nurmagomedov-announced-as-co-main-title-fight|title=UFC 311 news: Merab Dvalishvili vs. Umar Nurmagomedov announced as co-main title fight|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Matthew Wells|date=2024-12-04|access-date=2024-12-04}}</ref>

== 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 [[Takedown (grappling)|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. <ref>{{Cite web |title=Record Book {{!}} UFC |url=http://statleaders.ufc.com/ |access-date=2024-06-05 |website=statleaders.ufc.com}}</ref>

Dvalishvili often utilises attacks in the [[Clinch fighting|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==
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.<ref>{{cite web |last1=MMAjunkie |first1=Matt Erickson |title=Fighter Ricky Simon wins by TKO after final bell at UFC Fight Night 128 |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ufc/2018/04/21/ricky-simon-merab-dvalishvili-ufc-fight-night-128/539876002/ |website=USA TODAY}}</ref>


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.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Burne |first1=Kathrine |title=Merab Dvalishvili Pledges Over $350,000 To Growth Of Grappling In Georgia |url=https://jitsmagazine.com/merab-dvalishvili-pledges-over-350000-to-growth-of-grappling-in-georgia/ |website=Jits Magazine |access-date=13 October 2024}}</ref>
Dvalishvili faced [[Terrion Ware]] on September 15, 2018 at [[UFC Fight Night: Hunt vs. Oleinik]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mmadna.nl/cage-fury-fc-kampioen-jared-gordon-tekent-ufc-contract/|title=Cage Fury FC Kampioen Jared Gordon tekent UFC contract MMA DNA|last=DNA|first=MMA|language=en-US|access-date=2019-11-20}}</ref> He won the fight via unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite web |title=UFC Fight Night 136 results: Merab Dvalishvili mauls Terrion Ware, calls for fight with Sean O'Malley |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2018/09/ufc-fight-night-136-moscow-russia-results-merab-dvalishvili-mauls-terrion-ware-sean-omalley-callout |website=MMA Junkie |language=en |date=15 September 2018}}</ref>


==Professional grappling career==
Dvalishvili faced [[Brad Katona]] on May 4, 2019 at [[UFC Fight Night: Iaquinta vs. Cowboy]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/mma/ufc/winnipeg-bantamweight-brad-katona-added-ufc-vancouver-card/|title=Winnipeg bantamweight Brad Katona added to UFC Vancouver card - Sportsnet.ca|website=www.sportsnet.ca|access-date=2019-11-20}}</ref> He won the fight via unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Pearson |first1=Andrew |title=Merab Dvalishvili Defeats Katona Via Wrestling |url=https://www.mmamania.com/2019/5/4/18529572/ufc-fight-night-151-results-merab-dvalishvili-defeats-brad-katona-via-wrestling |website=MMAmania.com |language=en |date=4 May 2019}}</ref>


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.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://fight-library.com/2020/10/07/stepan-kobenov-combat-sambo-world-champion/|title=Stepan Kobenov: Combat Sambo World Champion|publisher=Fight-Library.com|author=Blaine Henry|date=October 7, 2020}}</ref>
Dvalishvili faced [[Casey Kenney]] on February 15, 2020 at [[UFC Fight Night 167]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mmadna.nl/bantamweightclash-tussen-casey-kenney-en-merab-dvalishvili-voor-ufc-rio-rancho/|title=Bantamweight clash between Casey Kenney and Merab Dvalishvili for UFC Rio Rancho|author=Staff|publisher=mmadna.nl|date=2019-12-19|access-date=2019-12-19}}{{in lang|nl}}</ref> He won the fight by unanimous decision.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2020/02/15/ufc-rio-rancho-results-merab-dvalishvili-dominates-casey-kenney/|title=UFC Rio Rancho Results: Merab Dvalishvili Dominates Casey Kenney|last=Evanoff|first=Josh|date=2020-02-15|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US|access-date=2020-02-17}}</ref>


Dvalishvili fought in the main event of Fury Pro Grappling 2 on October 29, 2021, and lost a unanimous decision to Kevin Dantzler.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://jitsmagazine.com/danielle-kelly-discusses-her-mma-transition-after-winning-at-fury-pro-grappling-2/ | title=Danielle Kelly Discusses Her MMA Transition After Winning at Fury Pro Grappling 2 | date=31 October 2021 }}</ref>
Dvalishvili was scheduled to face [[Ray Borg]] on June 13, 2020 at [[UFC on ESPN: Eye vs. Calvillo]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Datta|first=Soumik|date=2020-06-05|title=Ray Borg vs Merab Dvalishvili reportedly set for UFC's June 13 event|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/mma/news-ray-borg-vs-merab-dvalishvili-reportedly-set-for-ufc-s-june-13-event|access-date=2020-06-08|website=www.sportskeeda.com|language=en}}</ref> However, on June 11, 2020 it was reported that Borg withdrew from the bout and he was replaced by promotional newcomer [[Gustavo Lopez (fighter)|Gustavo Lopez]] in a catchweight bout of 140 pounds.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/06/ray-borg-out-of-ufc-on-espn-10-merab-dvalisvhili-now-fights-combate-americas-champ-gustavo-lopez|title=Ray Borg out of UFC on ESPN 10, Dvalisvhili now fights Combate Americas champ Lopez (UPDATE)|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Nolan King and John Morgan|date=2020-06-11|access-date=2020-06-11}}</ref> Dvalishvili was victorious via unanimous decision.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Bitter|first=Shawn|date=2020-06-13|title=UFC on ESPN 10 Results: Merab Dvalishvili's Pace Too Much for Gustavo Lopez|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2020/06/13/ufc-on-espn-10-results-merab-dvalishvili-vs-gustavo-lopez/|access-date=2020-06-14|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}</ref>


Dvalishvili faced [[John Dodson (fighter)|John Dodson]] on August 15, 2020 at [[UFC 252]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-15|title=John Dodson vs. Merab Dvalishvili added to UFC 252 lineup|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/07/ufc-252-john-dodson-vs-merab-dvalishvili-added-to-las-vegas-lineup|access-date=2020-07-16|website=MMA Junkie|language=en}}</ref> He won the fight via unanimous decision.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Vreeland|first=Daniel|date=2020-08-15|title=UFC 252 Results: Merab Dvalishvili Blankets John Dodson to Decision|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2020/08/15/ufc-252-results-merab-dvalishvili-blankets-john-dodson-to-decision/|access-date=2020-08-16|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}</ref>
Dvalishvili competed against Darren Branch in the main event of High Rollerz 23 on January 21, 2023.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://jitsmagazine.com/ufc-veteran-merab-dvalishvili-to-star-in-high-rollerz-23-main-event/ | title=UFC Veteran Merab Dvalishvili to Star in High Rollerz 23 Main Event | date=15 January 2023 }}</ref> He won the match by submission, with a choke from [[Kesa-gatame]].<ref>{{cite web |title=High Rollerz 23 Results: UFC Veteran Merab Dvalishvili Impresses |url=https://jitsmagazine.com/high-rollerz-23-results-ufc-veteran-merab-dvalishvili-impresses/ |website=JitsMagazine |date=23 January 2023 |access-date=23 January 2023}}</ref>


==Championships and accomplishments==
Dvalishvili was expected to face [[Cody Stamann]] on December 5, 2020 at [[UFC on ESPN 19]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/09/merab-dvalishvili-vs-cody-stamann-joins-ufcs-dec-5-lineup|title=Merab Dvalishvili vs. Cody Stamann joins UFC's Dec. 5 lineup|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Farah Hannoun|date=2020-09-24|access-date=2020-09-24}}</ref> However on October 22, it was announced that Stamann pulled out due to undisclosed reasons,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://adjarasport.com/ufc/posts/merab-dvalishvilis-da-kodi-stamanis-brdzola-chaishala-481730?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=adjarasport.com|title=The fight between Merab Dvalishvili and Kodi Staman failed|publisher=adjarasport.com|author=Giorgi Kokiashvili|date=2020-10-22|access-date=2020-10-22}} {{in lang|ka}}</ref> and he was replaced by [[Raoni Barcelos]].<ref name="BarcelosIn">{{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/11/merab-dvalishvili-vs-raoni-barcelos-ufc-fight-night-december-5-mma-booking|title=Streaking bantamweights Merab Dvalishvili and Raoni Barcelos meet at UFC Fight Night on Dec. 5|author=Farah Hannoun|website=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|date=2020-11-13|access-date=2020-11-13}}</ref> However, Barcelos was removed from the contest due to a medical suspension related to his latest bout on [[UFC Fight Night: Santos vs. Teixeira|November 7]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Raoni-Barcelos-Pulled-From-Merab-Dvalishvili-Matchup-at-UFC-on-ESPN-19-176310|title=Raoni Barcelos pulled from Merab Dvalishvili matchup at UFC on ESPN 19|author=Jay Pettry|publisher=sherdog.com|date=2020-11-19|access-date=2020-11-19}}</ref> The bout between Dvalishvili and Stamann was reschedule for [[UFC Fight Night 184]] on February 6, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|last=DNA|first=MMA|date=2021-01-09|title=BREAKING: Cody Stamann vs. Merab Dvalishvili nu op 6 februari|url=https://mmadna.nl/breaking-cody-stamann-vs-merab-dvalishvili-nu-op-6-februari/|access-date=2021-01-10|website=MMA DNA|language=en-US}}</ref> 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]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=DNA|first=MMA|date=2021-01-15|title=Merab Dvalishvili out, Andre Ewell pakt short notice partij op 6 februari tegen Cody Stamann|url=https://mmadna.nl/merab-dvalishvili-out-andre-ewell-pakt-short-notice-partij-op-6-februari-tegen-cody-stamann/|access-date=2021-01-16|website=MMA DNA|language=en-US}}</ref> After a [[COVID-19 testing|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.<ref name="Stamann vs. Askar">{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2021/02/01/andre-ewell-out-of-fight-against-cody-stamann-at-ufc-vegas-18/|title=Andre Ewell out of fight against Cody Stamann at UFC Vegas 18|publisher=cagesidepress.com|author=Jay Anderson|date=2021-02-01|access-date=2021-02-02}}</ref><ref name="Updates">{{Cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/updates-ufc-fight-night-overeem-vs-volkov|title=Updates to UFC Fight Night: Overeem vs. Volkov|publisher=ufc.com|author=Staff|date=2021-02-02|access-date=2021-02-03}}</ref> On the day of the event, Askar was not medically cleared and the bout was cancelled.<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/2/6/22270116/askar-askar-not-medically-cleared-to-compete-fight-with-cody-stamann-off-ufc-vegas-18|title=Askar Askar not medically cleared to compete, fight with Cody Stamann off UFC Vegas 18|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Alexander K. Lee|date=2021-02-06|access-date=2021-02-06}}</ref> The bout between Dvalishvili and Stamann was re-schduled again to May 1, 2021 at [[UFC on ESPN: Reyes vs. Procházka]].<ref name="taketwo">{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/03/ufc-news-merab-dvalishvili-vs-cody-stamann-booked-third-time-may-1-fight-night|title=Merab Dvalishvili vs. Cody Stamann booked again, this time for UFC Fight Night on May 1|website=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Mike Bohn and Farah Hannounn|date=2021-03-10|access-date=2021-03-10}}</ref> Merab won the bout via unanimous decision.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-05-02|title=UFC on ESPN 23 results: Merab Dvalishvili outworks Cody Stamann, calls out Dominick Cruz|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/05/ufc-espn-23-results-merab-dvalishvili-outworks-cody-stamann-callout-dominick-cruz|access-date=2021-05-02|website=MMA Junkie|language=en-US}}</ref>
*'''[[Ultimate Fighting Championship]]'''
** [[UFC Bantamweight Championship]] (One time, current)
** First Georgian-born champion in UFC history
**[[List of UFC bonus award recipients|Performance of the Night]] (One time) {{small|vs. [[Marlon Moraes]]}}<ref name="UFC 266" />
**[[List of UFC bonus award recipients|Fight of the Night]] (One time) {{small|vs. [[Ricky Simón]]}}<ref name=ufn128b />
**[[List of UFC records#Most Decision wins - By division|Most unanimous decision wins in UFC Bantamweight division history]] (9)
*** Tied ([[Gray Maynard]] & [[Krzysztof Jotko]]) for second [[List_of_UFC_records#Highest_Decision_wins_per_win_percentage|highest decision-wins-per-win percentage in UFC history]] <small> (10 decision wins / 11 wins: 91%)</small><ref name="UFC306"/>
***Tied ([[Raphael Assunção]]) for most decision wins in UFC Bantamweight division history (9)<ref name="ufcbw"/>
***Tied for [[List of UFC records#Most Decision wins - All fighters|third most unanimous decision wins in UFC history]] (10)
**[[List_of_UFC_records#Most_consecutive_wins|Longest win streak in UFC Bantamweight division history]] (10)<ref name="ufcbw">{{cite web|url=http://statleaders.ufc.com/?fighter_status=0&weight_class=BW|title=UFC Records - Bantamweight|website=statleaders.ufc.com|access-date=2024-09-15}}</ref>
**[[List_of_UFC_records#Most_Takedowns_Landed_-_By_division|Most takedowns landed in UFC Bantamweight division history]] (72)<ref name="ufcbw"/>
***Second [[List_of_UFC_records#Most_Takedowns_Landed_-_All_fighters|most takedowns landed in UFC history]] (85)<ref name="ufcstats">{{cite web|url=http://statleaders.ufc.com/?fighter_status=0|title=UFC Records - All Fighters|website=statleaders.ufc.com|access-date=2024-09-15}}</ref> <small>(behind [[Georges St-Pierre]])</small>
***Most takedowns attempted in a bout in UFC history (49) <small>vs. [[Petr Yan]]</small><ref name="ufcfight">{{cite web|url=http://statleaders.ufc.com/en/fight|title=UFC Records - All Divisions - Fight Stats|website=statleaders.ufc.com|access-date=2024-09-15}}</ref>
**Most total strikes landed in UFC Bantamweight division history (1950)<ref name="ufcbw"/>
**Most control time in UFC Bantamweight division history (1:14:05)<ref name="ufcbw"/>
**Fourth most top position time in UFC Bantamweight division history (44:36)<ref name="ufcbw"/>
**Fourth most average fight time in UFC Bantamweight division history (16:12)<ref name="ufcbw"/>
**Holds wins over four former [[List of UFC champions|UFC champions]] — <small>[[José Aldo]], [[Petr Yan]], [[Henry Cejudo]] and [[Sean O'Malley (fighter)|Sean O'Malley]]</small>
*'''Ring of Combat'''
**ROC Bantamweight Championship (One Time)
***One successful title defense


==Mixed martial arts record==
==Mixed martial arts record==
Line 96: Line 151:
| draws=
| draws=
| nc=
| nc=
| ko-wins= 2
| ko-wins= 3
| sub-wins= 1
| sub-wins= 1
| dec-wins= 10
| dec-wins= 14
| ko-losses= 0
| ko-losses= 0
| sub-losses= 1
| sub-losses= 1
| dec-losses= 3
| dec-losses= 3
| dq-wins=
| dq-wins=
| dq-losses=
| dq-losses=
Line 108: Line 163:
}}
}}
{{MMA record start}}
{{MMA record start}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|18–4
|[[Sean O'Malley (fighter)|Sean O'Malley]]
|Decision (unanimous)
|[[UFC 306]]
|{{dts|2024|September|14}}
|align=center|5
|align=center|5:00
|[[Las Vegas, Nevada]], United States
|{{small|Won the [[UFC Bantamweight Championship]].}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|17–4
|[[Henry Cejudo]]
|Decision (unanimous)
|[[UFC 298]]
|{{dts|2024|February|17}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|[[Anaheim]], [[California]], United States
|
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|16–4
|[[Petr Yan]]
|Decision (unanimous)
|[[UFC Fight Night: Yan vs. Dvalishvili]]
|{{dts|2023|March|11}}
|align=center|5
|align=center|5:00
|[[Las Vegas, Nevada]], United States
|
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|15–4
|[[José Aldo]]
|Decision (unanimous)
|[[UFC 278]]
|{{dts|2022|August|20}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|[[Salt Lake City, Utah]], United States
|
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|14–4
|[[Marlon Moraes]]
|TKO (punches)
|[[UFC 266]]
|{{dts|2021|September|25}}
|align=center|2
|align=center|4:25
|[[Las Vegas, Nevada]], United States
|{{small|Performance of the Night.}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|13–4
|align=center|13–4
Line 113: Line 224:
|Decision (unanimous)
|Decision (unanimous)
|[[UFC on ESPN: Reyes vs. Procházka]]
|[[UFC on ESPN: Reyes vs. Procházka]]
|{{dts|2021|May|1|format=dmy}}
|{{dts|2021|May|1}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|align=center|5:00
Line 124: Line 235:
|Decision (unanimous)
|Decision (unanimous)
|[[UFC 252]]
|[[UFC 252]]
|{{dts|2020|August|15|format=dmy}}
|{{dts|2020|August|15}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|align=center|5:00
Line 135: Line 246:
|Decision (unanimous)
|Decision (unanimous)
|[[UFC on ESPN: Eye vs. Calvillo]]
|[[UFC on ESPN: Eye vs. Calvillo]]
|{{dts|2020|June|13|format=dmy}}
|{{dts|2020|June|13}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|align=center|5:00
Line 146: Line 257:
|Decision (unanimous)
|Decision (unanimous)
|[[UFC Fight Night: Anderson vs. Błachowicz 2]]
|[[UFC Fight Night: Anderson vs. Błachowicz 2]]
|{{dts|2020|February|15|format=dmy}}
|{{dts|2020|February|15}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|align=center|5:00
Line 156: Line 267:
|[[Brad Katona]]
|[[Brad Katona]]
|Decision (unanimous)
|Decision (unanimous)

|[[UFC Fight Night: Iaquinta vs. Cowboy]]
|[[UFC Fight Night: Iaquinta vs. Cowboy]]
|{{dts|2019|May|4|format=dmy}}
|{{dts|2019|May|4}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|align=center|5:00
Line 169: Line 279:
|Decision (unanimous)
|Decision (unanimous)
|[[UFC Fight Night: Hunt vs. Oleinik]]
|[[UFC Fight Night: Hunt vs. Oleinik]]
|{{dts|format=dmy|2018|September|15}}
|{{dts|2018|September|15}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|align=center|5:00
Line 180: Line 290:
|Technical Submission (guillotine choke)
|Technical Submission (guillotine choke)
|[[UFC Fight Night: Barboza vs. Lee]]
|[[UFC Fight Night: Barboza vs. Lee]]
|{{dts|format=dmy|2018|April|21}}
|{{dts|2018|April|21}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|align=center|5:00
Line 191: Line 301:
|Decision (split)
|Decision (split)
|[[UFC Fight Night: Swanson vs. Ortega]]
|[[UFC Fight Night: Swanson vs. Ortega]]
|{{dts|format=dmy|2017|December|9}}
|{{dts|2017|December|9}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|align=center|5:00
Line 202: Line 312:
|KO (spinning backfist)
|KO (spinning backfist)
|Ring of Combat 59
|Ring of Combat 59
|{{dts|format=dmy|2017|June|2}}
|{{dts|2017|June|2}}
|align=center|1
|align=center|1
|align=center|0:15
|align=center|0:15
Line 213: Line 323:
|Submission (armbar)
|Submission (armbar)
|Ring of Combat 58
|Ring of Combat 58
|{{dts|format=dmy|2017|February|24}}
|{{dts|2017|February|24}}
|align=center|2
|align=center|2
|align=center|N/A
|align=center|4:14
|[[Atlantic City, New Jersey]], United States
|[[Atlantic City, New Jersey]], United States
|{{small|Won the vacant Ring of Combat Bantamweight Championship.}}
|{{small|Won the vacant Ring of Combat Bantamweight Championship.}}
Line 224: Line 334:
|Decision (split)
|Decision (split)
|Ring of Combat 57
|Ring of Combat 57
|{{dts|format=dmy|2016|November|18}}
|{{dts|2016|November|18}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|align=center|5:00
Line 235: Line 345:
|Decision (unanimous)
|Decision (unanimous)
|Ring of Combat 56
|Ring of Combat 56
|{{dts|format=dmy|2016|September|23}}
|{{dts|2016|September|23}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|3
|align=center|4:00
|align=center|4:00
Line 246: Line 356:
|Decision (unanimous)
|Decision (unanimous)
|CES MMA 36
|CES MMA 36
|{{dts|format=dmy|2016|June|10}}
|{{dts|2016|June|10}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|align=center|5:00
Line 257: Line 367:
|Decision (unanimous)
|Decision (unanimous)
|CES MMA 34
|CES MMA 34
|{{dts|format=dmy|2016|April|1}}
|{{dts|2016|April|1}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|align=center|5:00
Line 268: Line 378:
|Decision (unanimous)
|Decision (unanimous)
|CFFC 43
|CFFC 43
|{{dts|format=dmy|2014|November|1}}
|{{dts|2014|November|1}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|align=center|5:00
Line 279: Line 389:
|TKO (punches)
|TKO (punches)
|Ring of Combat 49
|Ring of Combat 49
|{{dts|format=dmy|2014|September|19}}
|{{dts|2014|September|19}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|3
|align=center|0:50
|align=center|0:50
Line 290: Line 400:
|Decision (majority)
|Decision (majority)
|Ring of Combat 47
|Ring of Combat 47
|{{dts|format=dmy|2014|January|24}}
|{{dts|2014|January|24}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|3
|align=center|4:00
|align=center|4:00
Line 297: Line 407:
|-
|-
|}
|}
<ref name="Sherdog">{{cite web |title=Merab Dvalishvili MMA Stats, Pictures, News, Videos, Biography - Sherdog.com |url=https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Merab-Dvalishvili-157355|website=Sherdog}}</ref>
<ref name="Sherdog">{{Cite web|last=Sherdog.com|title=Merab|url=https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Merab-Dvalishvili-157355|access-date=2021-09-26|website=Sherdog}}</ref>

== Pay-per-view bouts ==
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!No
!Event
!Fight
!Date
!Venue
!City
!PPV buys
|-
|1.
|[[UFC 306]]
|'''O'Malley''' vs. '''Dvalishvili'''
|September 14, 2024
|[[Sphere (venue)|Sphere]]
|[[Las Vegas Valley|Las Vegas, Nevada]], United States
|Not Disclosed<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/110826-ufc-306 | title=UFC 306: O'Malley vs. Dvalishvili {{!}} MMA Event |website=Tapology |language=en}}</ref>
|}


== See also ==
== See also ==
Line 307: Line 437:


==External links==
==External links==
* {{UFC|Merab-Dvalishvili}}
* {{UFC|merab-dvalishvili}}
* {{Sherdog|157355}}
* {{Sherdog|157355}}

{{s-start}}
{{s-ach|ach}}
{{s-bef
| before = [[Sean O'Malley (fighter)|Sean O'Malley]]
}}
{{s-ttl
| title = 11th [[UFC Bantamweight Championship|UFC Bantamweight Champion]]|
| years = September 14, 2024 – present
}}
{{s-inc}}
{{s-end}}

{{UFC title holders}}
{{UFC Bantamweight Championship}}
{{UFC Men's pound-for-pound Rankings}}
{{UFC Bantamweight Rankings}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Dvalishvili, Merab}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Dvalishvili, Merab}}
Line 317: Line 465:
[[Category:Male mixed martial artists from Georgia (country)]]
[[Category:Male mixed martial artists from Georgia (country)]]
[[Category:Sambo practitioners from Georgia (country)]]
[[Category:Sambo practitioners from Georgia (country)]]
[[Category:Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners from Georgia (country)]]
[[Category:Bantamweight mixed martial artists]]
[[Category:Bantamweight mixed martial artists]]
[[Category: Ultimate Fighting Championship male fighters]]
[[Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship male fighters]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing sambo]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing judo]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing Brazilian jiu-jitsu]]
[[Category:Emigrants from Georgia (country) to the United States]]

Latest revision as of 16:53, 17 December 2024

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 (2014–present)
Featherweight (2016)
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]

Dvalishvili is scheduled to make his first title defense against undefeated contender Umar Nurmagomedov on January 18, 2025 at UFC 311.[50]

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. [51]

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.[52]

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.[53]

Dvalishvili fought in the main event of Fury Pro Grappling 2 on October 29, 2021, and lost a unanimous decision to Kevin Dantzler.[54]

Dvalishvili competed against Darren Branch in the main event of High Rollerz 23 on January 21, 2023.[55] He won the match by submission, with a choke from Kesa-gatame.[56]

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.

[60]

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[61]

See also

References

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  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.
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  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.
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  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.
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  42. ^ Dewar, Val (August 20, 2022). "UFC 278: Merab Dvalishvili Secures Biggest Win Yet Over Jose Aldo". Cageside Press. Retrieved August 22, 2022.
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  61. ^ "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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