Merab Dvalishvili “The Machine”
Bantamweight · Georgia / United States · UFC
Relentless wrestler with record-setting cardio
Endless takedown pressure that drowns opponents
Record & stats
| Division | Bantamweight |
|---|---|
| Categories | MMA |
| Promotion | UFC |
| Nationality | Georgia / United States |
| Born | Vani, Georgia |
| Team | Serra-Longo Fight Team |
| Pro debut | 2014 |
| Height | 168cm |
| Reach | 173cm |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Age | 35 |
| KO rate | 24% |
| Status | Active |
How the wins come
24% Finish rate- 3 KO/TKO · 14%
- 2 Submission · 10%
- 16 Decision · 76%
Titles & honors
- Former UFC Bantamweight Champion
Biography
Merab Dvalishvili, "The Machine," is a Georgian-American bantamweight famous for inhuman cardio and a record-breaking takedown volume. Based at the Serra-Longo Fight Team in New York under Ray Longo and Matt Serra, he became the first Georgian-born UFC champion.
After wins over José Aldo, Petr Yan, Henry Cejudo and others, he dethroned Sean O'Malley by decision at UFC 306 (2024) to win the Bantamweight title and went on a long unbeaten run that exceeded a dozen victories.
That streak ended at UFC 323 in December 2025, when Petr Yan avenged an earlier loss and took the belt by unanimous decision. Now 21-5, Dvalishvili remains an elite wrestler-pressure fighter and a top contender chasing a route back to the title in 2026.
Fight history
- LPetr YanL UD 5
- WSean O'MalleyW SUB R3
FAQ
- Is Merab Dvalishvili still UFC champion?
- No. He lost the UFC Bantamweight title to Petr Yan by unanimous decision at UFC 323 in December 2025.
- What is Merab's record?
- Merab Dvalishvili is 21-5 as of June 2026.
- What is Dvalishvili known for?
- He is known for elite cardio and holds the UFC record for most takedowns landed, smothering opponents with relentless wrestling.
- Who did Merab beat to win the title?
- He defeated Sean O'Malley by decision at UFC 306 in September 2024 to win the bantamweight belt.