Merab Dvalishvili News
Ilia Topuria persuades Merab Dvalishvili to move up to 145 lbs for clash with legendary rival
Curtis Calhoun - October 17, 2025
UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria wants fellow Georgian Merab Dvalishvili to take on his former featherweight rival in pursuit of a second UFC title. Ilia Topuria became the latest two-division UFC champ when he knocked out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 earlier this year. After vacating the featherweight throne, Topuria successfully moved up to lightweight and cemented himself as the pound-for-pound king.
Popular UFC analyst dismisses Petr Yan's chances against Merab Dvalishvili in rematch
Fernando Quiles Jr. - October 15, 2025
One well-known UFC analyst and coach isn’t convinced that Petr Yan can find an answer against Merab Dvalishvili. It was announced by Dana White that Dvalishvili is scheduled to put his bantamweight title on the line against Yan at UFC 323 on Dec. 6. If Dvalishvili can emerge victorious, he’ll set a new record for the most UFC title defenses in a single year. He’s already thwarted challenges from Umar Nurmagomedov, Sean O’Malley, and Cory Sandhagen this year.
Dana White admits his opinion has changed on current UFC champion
Fernando Quiles Jr. - October 15, 2025
Dana White has warmed up to a reigning UFC champion, who is on the verge of history. White and UFC Bantamweight Champion Merab Dvalishvili didn’t always see eye-to-eye. The UFC boss was initially peeved when “The Machine” refused to fight his close friend and longtime training partner Aljamain Sterling. Eventually, Dvalishvili’s willingness to fight often changed White’s tune.
Merab Dvalishvili isn't worried about burning out ahead of Petr Yan rematch at UFC 323
Harry Kettle - October 14, 2025
Merab Dvalishvili isn’t worried about burnout as he prepares to defend his UFC bantamweight championship once again. For the fourth time this year, Merab Dvalishvili has been booked to defend his UFC world title. He will do so against Petr Yan at UFC 323 in a rematch of their fascinating first encounter a few years back. On that occasion, Merab managed to get the win, pushing him closer to an eventual crack at the gold.
Merab Dvalishvili vs. Petr Yan 2 headlines UFC 323, title fight set for co-main event
Curtis Calhoun - October 13, 2025
UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili got his wish for a quick turnaround after his latest victory just weeks ago at UFC 320. UFC CEO Dana White announced on Monday that UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili, who defeated Cory Sandhagen just weeks ago at UFC 320, will headline UFC 323 in December.
Merab Dvalishvili called out by former UFC champion on two-fight skid
Fernando Quiles Jr. - October 10, 2025
A former UFC titleholder hopes to challenge Merab Dvalishvili despite suffering some setbacks. Dvalishvili has had a memorable run as the UFC Bantamweight Champion. After defeating Sean O’Malley back in Sept. 2024 to capture the gold, “The Machine” thwarted Umar Nurmagomedov for his first successful title defense. He then submitted O’Malley in their rematch, and recently defeated Cory Sandhagen via unanimous decision.
Merab Dvalishvili sparred five rounds on the day of UFC 320, says Khalil Rountree Jr
Harry Kettle - October 10, 2025
UFC champion Merab Dvalishvili sparred for five full rounds on the day of UFC 320, according to Khalil Rountree Jr. Last weekend, Merab Dvalishvili defeated Cory Sandhagen and successfully defended the UFC bantamweight championship for the third time. Once again, he proved that his insane cardio is on a different level, and he even managed to show off some of his new striking abilities by dropping Sandhagen in the second round.
TJ Dillashaw gives his thoughts on Merab Dvalishvili vs Umar Nurmagomedov rematch
Harry Kettle - October 10, 2025
UFC veteran TJ Dillashaw has given his thoughts on a possible rematch between Merab Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov. As we know, Merab Dvalishvili is one of the most exciting intriguing in all of mixed martial arts right now. He’s also one of the most successful, having just defended his UFC bantamweight championship for the third time. He defeated Cory Sandhagen at UFC 320, cementing his position as one of the best to ever do it at 135 pounds.
Merab Dvalishvili's coach makes brutal prediction for possible Umar Nurmagomedov rematch
Fernando Quiles Jr. - October 7, 2025
The head coach of UFC Bantamweight Champion Merab Dvalishvili has a scathing prediction for a potential Umar Nurmagomedov rematch. Back in January, Dvalishvili silenced any doubters he may have had left. He successfully defended the 135-pound gold against Nurmagomedov via unanimous decision. While Nurmagomedov was competitive, “The Machine” was a step ahead and outlasted the challenger.
Sean O'Malley gives his thoughts on Merab Dvalishvili's striking after UFC 320
Harry Kettle - October 7, 2025
UFC contender Sean O’Malley has given his thoughts on Merab Dvalishvili’s striking following his win at UFC 320. Last Saturday night, Merab Dvalishvili defeated Cory Sandhagen to retain his UFC bantamweight championship. It was the result many expected, but in addition to his incredible wrestling prowess, he also managed to drop Sandhagen – to the point where he almost got him out of there in the second round.
What's next for the stars of UFC 320?
Cole Shelton - October 6, 2025
The UFC was in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Saturday for a solid UFC 320 card. The main event saw Magomed Ankalaev defending his light heavyweight title against Alex Pereira. The co-main event saw Merab Dvalishvili defending his bantamweight belt against Cory Sandhagen. In the end, it was Pereira who reclaimed his belt with a first-round knockout win over Ankalaev. In the co-main event, Dvalishvili dominated Sandhagen en route to a clear-cut decision win to defend his belt. Following UFC 320, here is what I think should be next for the stars of the event.
Merab Dvalishvili makes it clear he wants to stay in the bantamweight division
Harry Kettle - October 6, 2025
UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili has made it clear that he doesn’t want to leave the division. Last Saturday night, Merab Dvalishvili successfully defended the UFC bantamweight championship. He did so with a solid performance against Cory Sandhagen, as he once again proved why he’s one of the pound for pound best fighters on the planet right now. Of course, the focus has suddenly shifted to what’s next for him, with one of the big rumors being a rematch against Petr Yan.
Petr Yan calls for rematch with Merab Dvalishvili after UFC 320
Harry Kettle - October 5, 2025
UFC bantamweight contender Petr Yan has made it clear that he wants to fight Merab Dvalishvili in his next outing. As we know, Merab Dvalishvili was as impressive as ever at UFC 320 last night. He defeated Cory Sandhagen to successfully defend his UFC bantamweight championship for the third time and now, fans are already starting to look ahead to what could be next for him. On paper, it doesn’t seem as if there are any immediate challenges that lie in front of him – but Petr Yan disagrees with that assessment.
Pros react after Merab Dvalishvili defeats Cory Sandhagen at UFC 320
Chris Taylor - October 5, 2025
Tonight’s UFC 320 event was co-headlined by a men’s bantamweight title fight featuring Merab Dvalishvili taking on Cory Sandhagen. Dvalishvili (21-4 MMA) was returning to action for the first time since scoring a submission win over former title holder Sean O’Malley at June’s UFC 316 event in New Jersey. That victory had marked ‘The Machine’s’ twelfth win in a row, a streak which now includes two successful defenses of his bantamweight title.
UFC 320 Results: Merab Dvalishvili defeats Cory Sandhagen (Highlights)
Chris Taylor - October 4, 2025
Tonight’s UFC 320 event is co-headlined by a men’s bantamweight title fight featuring Merab Dvalishvili taking on Cory Sandhagen. Dvalishvili (20-4 MMA) will be returning to action for the first time since scoring a submission win over former title holder Sean O’Malley at June’s UFC 316 event in New Jersey. That victory marked ‘The Machine’s’ twelfth win in a row, a streak which now includes two successful defenses of his bantamweight title.
UFC 320 weigh-in results: One fighter misses target, Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira make title fight official
Fernando Quiles Jr. - October 3, 2025
The UFC 320 weigh-ins have wrapped up and just one fighter failed to make their contracted weight. UFC 320 goes down on Saturday and it’ll emanate from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Headlining the card will be a light heavyweight title rematch between champion Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira. Both Ankalaev and “Poatan” tipped the scales at 204.5 pounds, which means their championship rematch is official.
Cory Sandhagen doesn't think Merab Dvalishvili is the best wrestler at bantamweight ahead of UFC 320
Cole Shelton - October 2, 2025
Cory Sandhagen feels well prepared to face Merab Dvalishvili and his wrestling at UFC 320. Sandhagen is set to take on Dvalishvili for the bantamweight title in an intriguing fight. Dvalishvili is a massive betting favorite, in large part due to his wrestling. Yet, Sandhagen is confident in his takedown defense after fighting Umar Nurmagomedov.
UFC 320 | Pro fighters make their picks for Merab Dvalishvili vs. Cory Sandhagen title fight
Cole Shelton - October 2, 2025
In the co-main event of UFC 320, the bantamweight title is up for grabs as Merab Dvalishvili takes on Cory Sandhagen. Heading into the fight, Dvalishvili is a massive -440 favorite while the challenger is a +310 underdog on FanDuel. Ahead of the scrap, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get the predictions for the bantamweight title fight at UFC 320. The pros are nearly unanimous in thinking Dvalishvili defends his belt with ease, with most thinking he gets a stoppage win.