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Sports Desk • Mma

Merab Dvalishvili

Merab Dvalishvili is a Georgian-American professional mixed martial artist who competes in the UFC bantamweight division and has held the UFC bantamweight championship.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

Merab Dvalishvili is a Georgian-American mixed martial artist and former UFC bantamweight champion, known for his relentless wrestling and pressure.

What it is

Merab Dvalishvili competes in the UFC bantamweight division and has held the UFC bantamweight championship. Born on 10 January 1991 in Vani, Georgia, he moved to Tbilisi at age nine and later built his career in the United States. He fights out of Long Island, New York, and is affiliated with the Serra-Longo Fight Team.

Why it matters

Dvalishvili's high-paced wrestling style and constant pressure have made him one of the top fighters in the bantamweight division. His unanimous-decision win over Umar Nurmagomedov in January 2025 solidified his status as a dominant champion, drawing attention to his unique approach in the octagon.

Key details

ESPN lists his professional MMA record as 21–5–0. He is known for relentless cardio, takedowns, and sustained output over rounds. His nickname is "The Machine," reflecting his non-stop fighting style.

In short

  • Former UFC bantamweight champion with a 21–5–0 record.
  • Known for wrestling-heavy style and relentless pressure.
  • Born in Vani, Georgia, now fights out of Long Island, New York.
  • Won a title defense against Umar Nurmagomedov in January 2025.

Quick questions

Who is Merab Dvalishvili?
He is a Georgian-American mixed martial artist who competes in the UFC bantamweight division and has held the UFC bantamweight title.
What is Merab Dvalishvili's fighting style?
He is known for a wrestling-heavy style, relentless pressure, and very high pace and stamina.
What is Merab Dvalishvili's record?
ESPN lists his professional MMA record as 21 wins and 5 losses, with no draws.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merab_Dvalishvili
    Supports: Birth date, Georgian background, UFC bantamweight career, birthplace in Vani, and move to Tbilisi.
  2. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/mma/fighter/_/id/3948572/merab-dvalishvili
    Supports: Age, team, stance, division, and professional record.
  3. CNN — https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/20/sport/merab-dvalishvili-ufc-georgia-profile-spt-intl
    Supports: Georgia background, fighting characteristics, and recent championship defense over Umar Nurmagomedov.
  4. Tapology — https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/fighters/47934-merab-dvalishvili
    Supports: Born in Tbilisi, fighting out of New York, and professional record listing.
  5. Sherdog — https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Merab-Dvalishvili-157355
    Supports: Age, height, weight, division, team, and win/loss totals.