Merab Dvalishvili was recently crowned the new UFC bantamweight champion. From being a relatively unknown fighter to the UFC champion, the Georgian let out a heartfelt thanks to UFC CEO, Dana White. Here is what happened:
After his victory over Sean O’Malley at UFC 306, Merab Dvalishvili reflected on his 14-year journey. In a recent tweet on X, the Georgian emphasized the pivotal role Dana White played in his career. ‘The Machine’ expressed that without White discovering him at a Ring of Combat event, he might not have become part of the UFC.
I have been fighting for this goal for the last 14 years, and it seemed so far, difficult and impossible that I still can’t believe it.
Merab Dvalishvili on X
Dana White found Dvalishvili during an episode of his “Looking for a Fight” series, where he was scouting for new talent. White initially had his eyes on another fighter, Raufeon Stots. However, it was Dvalishvili’s spectacular knockout—a spinning back fist in the first exchange, that caught his attention.
It’s been a week since I became the champion. I have been fighting for this goal for the last 14 years, and it seemed so far, difficult and impossible that I still can’t believe it. I want to thank Dana White because he didn’t find me that amazing night at Ring of Combat , I…
— Merab “The Machine” Dvalishvili (@MerabDvalishvil) September 21, 2024
White, along with Matt Serra and Ray Longo, was so impressed that he decided to sign Dvalishvili to the UFC on the spot. Since then, Dvalishvili has carved out an impressive career. Known for his relentless pace, grappling, and toughness, he went on to secure a 10-fight win streak before finally capturing the UFC bantamweight title.
The Georgian defeated reigning champion O’Malley via unanimous decision at a historic event at Noche UFC. Over the years, he has faced and overcome elite opponents like Petr Yan and José Aldo, showcasing his ability to outwork and outlast even the toughest competition.
Merab Dvalishvili hit multiple milestones with his UFC 306 title win over Sean O’Malley
Merab Dvalishvili’s win over Sean O’Malley at UFC 306 was a milestone moment in his career. The victory at Noche UFC solidified his place in UFC history and marked several records on his resume. It extended his win streak to 11 fights, the longest active streak in the bantamweight division.
By the end, the judges scored the bout 49-46 and 48-47 in Dvalishvili’s favor, marking his first title win. Their headlined event brought in over sixteen thousand people in the audience for a live gate of over $21,000,000. Dvalishvili became the second Georgian UFC champion in history, following Ilia Topuria earlier this year.
He is now the ninth undisputed bantamweight champion in UFC history. Dvalishvili also became the third fighter in UFC history to win an undisputed championship after starting 0-2 in the promotion. His 72 takedowns are the most landed in the division’s history.
