Fighters » Merab Dvalishvili
Merab Dvalishvili, known as “The Machine,” is a Georgian-American mixed martial artist and the current UFC Bantamweight Champion. He is renowned for his exceptional wrestling and relentless pace, holding the UFC record for most takedowns.
Here is a brief overview of his profile and some of his most notable fights.
Professional Profile
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Height | 5′ 6″ (168 cm) |
| Weight | 135 lbs (61 kg) – Bantamweight |
| Reach | 68″ (173 cm) |
| Fighting Out Of | Long Island, New York, USA |
| Team | Serra-Longo Fight Team |
| Stance | Orthodox |
Notable Fights & Career Highlights
Merab Dvalishvili’s career is defined by a historic 14-fight winning streak, the fourth-longest in UFC history . Here are some of his most significant bouts in the UFC:
- Winning the UFC Bantamweight Championship (Sep 14, 2024): Defeated Sean O’Malley by unanimous decision at UFC 306 to become the undisputed champion .
- First Title Defense (Jan 18, 2025): Defended his belt against the undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov via unanimous decision at UFC 311 .
- Second Title Defense – Rematch (Jun 7, 2025): Faced Sean O’Malley again at UFC 316 and won by submission (north-south choke), his first victory by submission in the UFC .
- Third Title Defense (Oct 4, 2025): Defeated Cory Sandhagen by unanimous decision at UFC 320 in a fight where he landed a record 20 takedowns, bringing his UFC career total to 117, the most in history .
- Key Victories Before Title Shot: His impressive streak includes dominant unanimous decision wins over former champions Petr Yan , Henry Cejudo , and José Aldo , as well as a dramatic comeback TKO victory against Marlon Moraes after being nearly finished in the first round .
Fighting Style and Persona
Dvalishvili is known for an intense, high-pressure fighting style built on exceptional cardio and relentless wrestling . His “Machine” nickname reflects his ability to maintain a high pace for entire fights. He has also become known for showboating during fights, such as talking to celebrities at cageside or kissing an opponent’s head .
