Merab ‘The Machine’ Dvalishvili is the current UFC bantamweight champion. He is known for being one of the most dominant fighters in the 135-pound division. Interestingly, despite his current success, the Georgian fighter had a challenging start in his MMA career. Recently, Merab Dvalishvili has spoken about the losses he experienced early on in his journey.
‘The Machine’ appeared on the podcast hosted by top MMA coach Eric Nicksick, where he discussed several intriguing topics. Merab Dvalishvili talked about his regional MMA career, mentioning that he suffered two losses in his first three professional fights. Interestingly, after those setbacks, he found himself seriously contemplating his life moving forward.
End of 2014… I’m like I’m done MMA… I wasn’t happy, not motivated and I tell them maybe first time ever cancel fight and I said, ‘No, I want some time off.’ And, I was thinking to, you know, I’m gonna live normal, like normal people lives. I’m like okay I have a job… and I was thinking to get better in contruction (job), maybe one day I can I will become a contractor.
Merab Dvalishvili via Verse Us with Eric Nicksick
Dvalishvili is a veteran in the sport who made his professional debut in 2014. However, his initial matches did not go as he had hoped. In his debut fight against Darren Mima, Dvalishvili suffered a defeat. Although ‘The Machine’ won his next fight, he faced another loss in his third match, where Ricky Bandejas defeated him via unanimous decision.
Dvalishvili mentioned that these losses nearly led him to consider retirement from the sport. Interestingly, the Georgian fighter had also decided to pursue a career in a construction job. However, despite facing numerous adversities and negative thoughts, ‘The Machine’ made a remarkable comeback in his MMA career.
The Georgian fighter currently holds the title of UFC bantamweight champion after defeating Sean O’Malley at Noche UFC. In a few weeks, Dvalishvili is set to defend his title for the first time in the promotion’s UFC 311 PPV.
Merab Dvalishvili wants to make his upcoming opponent ‘humble’
‘The Machine’ Merab Dvalishvili is set to face one of the most formidable contenders in the bantamweight division, Umar Nurmagomedov, who has an undefeated record. Nurmagomedov has been eyeing a title shot in the promotion for quite some time.
Dvalishvili’s victory over Sean O’Malley at Noche UFC has heightened Nurmagomedov’s desire for a championship fight. As a result, the Dagestani fighter and his team made deliberate calls to the champion, urging him for their championship fight.
Merab Dvalishvili vs. Umar Nurmagomedov faceoff (via MMA Fighting)However, the Georgian fighter did not want to engage at that moment as he preferred to take some time off after becoming the champion. The ‘Young Eagle’ was not pleased with Dvalishvili’s decision. Consequently, Nurmagomedov began berating the champion. In retaliation, the Georgian fighter has expressed his desire to teach the Dagestani fighter a lesson for the perceived disrespect.
Fight Day, I will do my beat this undefeated guy. Make him humble, because I feel he’s just cocky. He’s never been defeated before, he’s acting like no one wants to fight with him and (that) he’s something untouchable. I’ll show him the real level.
Merab Dvalishvili via ufcespanol on YouTube
The fight is scheduled for UFC 311, with Dvalishvili and Nurmagomedov headlining the co-main event. Several individuals believe that Nurmagomedov is a more dynamic fighter compared to Dvalishvili. Meanwhile, the champion has recently vowed to put a blemish on the Young Eagle’s perfect record. It will be interesting to see how things unfold in the fight on January 18th.
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