Merab Dvalishvili News
Merab Dvalishvili reveals why he isn't a fan of Umar Nurmagomedov
Harry Kettle - November 27, 2025
UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili has revealed why he isn’t a big fan of former foe Umar Nurmagomedov. Right now, there are few better fighters in mixed martial arts than Merab Dvalishvili. He is carving out quite the legacy for himself and at this point, you could already argue that he is the greatest bantamweight of all time. He will attempt to cement that legacy for himself when he goes head to head with Petr Yan next month in the main event of UFC 323.
Dominick Cruz: 'Very possible' Petr Yan beats Merab Dvalishvili in UFC 323 rematch
Curtis Calhoun - November 25, 2025
Former UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz envisions Petr Yan defeating Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 323; if he follows on specific path. UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili will defend his belt for the fourth time in 2025 next month at UFC 323 against Petr Yan. Two years after Dvalishvili put on a record-setting performance against Yan in their first clash, the two bantamweights will run it back as Yan looks to reclaim the 135-pound throne.
UFC commentator praises Merab Dvalishvili for career management
Harry Kettle - November 20, 2025
UFC commentator Daniel Cormier has praised Merab Dvalishvili for how he’s managed his career in the last few years. For the longest time now, Merab Dvalishvili has been viewed as one of the best bantamweights on the planet. Now, many believe him to be the greatest of all time following a run in which he has been able to successfully defend his title three times in one calendar year.
Merab Dvalishvili makes stunning admission ahead of UFC 323 title fight
Fernando Quiles Jr. - November 10, 2025
Merab Dvalishvili isn’t expecting to score a finish over Petr Yan, but he knows what it would mean if he can get it. Dvalishvili and Yan will collide a second time on Dec. 6. “The Machine” will put the UFC Bantamweight Championship at stake against Yan in the co-main event of UFC 323. The rematch will be held inside T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
UFC 321's Umar Nurmagomedov says Merab Dvalishvili knows he will lose possible rematch
Fernando Quiles Jr. - October 22, 2025
Umar Nurmagomedov is aware of Merab Dvalishvili’s continued trash talk, and he thinks the explanation is clear. Nurmagomedov challenged Dvalishvili for the UFC Bantamweight Championship back in January. Despite being competitive, Nurmagomedov fell short in his first crack at a major world title. The unanimous decision loss marked the first time Nurmagomedov had been defeated in his pro MMA career.
Sean O'Malley issues warning to Merab Dvalishvili ahead of Petr Yan rematch
Harry Kettle - October 22, 2025
UFC star Sean O’Malley has issued a warning to former rival Merab Dvalishvili ahead of his UFC 323 rematch against Petr Yan. In the main event of UFC 323 in December, Merab Dvalishvili will defend his UFC bantamweight championship against Petr Yan. It will serve as a rematch following their first meeting a few years back, which ‘The Machine’ won to put himself in line for a shot at the belt. If Merab wins, it will take him to 4-0 in 2025, cementing his position as Fighter of the Year beyond a shadow of a doubt.
Petr Yan labeled 'cringey' for injury claims about first Merab Dvalishvili fight
Fernando Quiles Jr. - October 19, 2025
Petr Yan’s injury claims have drawn the ire of Merab Dvalishvili’s coach. Yan is set to challenge Dvalishvili for the UFC Bantamweight Championship on Dec. 6. The title fight will headline UFC 323 in Las Vegas. This will be a rematch, as “The Machine” defeated “No Mercy” back in 2021.
Daniel Cormier calls for significant scoring changes after Merab Dvalishvili's UFC 320 win
Curtis Calhoun - October 17, 2025
UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier is fed up with the current judging criteria after watching Merab Dvalishvili vs. Cory Sandhagen at UFC 320. UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili successfully defended his title with another dominant performance at UFC 320 earlier this month against Cory Sandhagen. Dvalishvili landed an astonishing 20 takedowns in his unanimous decision victory and nearly knocked out Sandhagen midway through the fight.
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 shares prediction for Henry Cejudo vs. Payton Talbott at UFC 323
Cole Shelton - October 13, 2025
UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili expects Henry Cejudo to turn back the clock at UFC 323. Dvalishvili is set to headline the year-end pay-per-view card in a rematch against Petr Yan, while Cejudo will return against Payton Talbott on the card. It’s an intriguing fight as it’s a massive step-up in competition for Talbott, and Dvalishvili believes Cejudo will get his hand raised.
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.
Petr Yan claims he was at '50%' health for first fight with Merab Dvalishvili ahead of likely rematch
Curtis Calhoun - October 7, 2025
Former UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan revealed he fought Merab Dvalishvili significantly compromised ahead of a likely rematch. UFC bantamweight titleholder Merab Dvalishvili retained his title in largely dominant fashion against Cory Sandhagen at UFC 320 last Saturday. Despite Sandhagen proving to be a tough test on the feet, Dvalishvili challenged Sandhagen with his vastly improved striking en route to a decision victory.
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.