Merab Dvalishvili recently broke the internet by becoming the new UFC bantamweight champion of the world. The Georgian fighter dominated Sean O’Malley for five rounds and fulfilled his long-standing dream of becoming a UFC champion. However, the journey from top to bottom wasn’t that easy, and the fighter had to struggle a lot to achieve success.
As the pinnacle of MMA, getting into UFC is a dream for all MMA fighters. However, the fight purse of new fighters is comparatively very low. It has always been a topic of discussion with Jake Paul recently asking Dana white to raise the minimum to $50K. In a recent interview, Dvalishvili talked about his initial struggles in the UFC and getting a second job during the 2020 COVID-19 days.
In my second fight I got a bonus…I stopped working but when my next fight comes I was broke again because I spent all this money and I’m like now what. When I win the next one, I keep the money and start working because I don’t want this to happen again
Merab Dvalishvili via Jake Shields Podcast
UFC fighters’ bout purses are influenced by expenses such as training camps, management fees, taxes, and travel. After deductions, they receive far less than their stipulated sum. Additional revenue from performance bonuses, PPV points, and sponsorships can help cover these costs, particularly for top-tier competitors.
😬💰Merab Dvalishvili reveals he kept working until 2020 because the UFC pay wasn’t enough to quit his day job:
“I lost my first fight in the UFC and we know how the UFC pay, $10,000, and you still have to pay your manager, some expenses. I bought a car, I was driving a very old… pic.twitter.com/8w4StKzj4k
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) September 22, 2024
However, for Merab Dvalishvili, as a new fighter, it was hard to survive with that much money. Dvalishvili made his UFC debut in 2017 and lost two fights in a row. After that, the Georgian fighter bounced back stronger and has never lost a bout ever since. After his latest victory, ‘The Machine’ stated how hard he worked as an immigrant from Georgia to make big in the US.
Merab Dvalishvili praises UFC top brass for his success
Merab Dvalishvili had to wait for a long time to get the UFC title opportunity. He fought various legends, such as Jose Aldo, Petr Yan, Henry Cejudo, and others, before fighting Sean O’Malley at UFC 306. Dvalishvili left no stone unturned during the fight and outclassed O’Malley everywhere.
Merab Dvalishvili (via X)Dvalishvili impressed a lot of fans and experts with his preference. The MMA community credited him for his constant hard work and determination to become the champion.
The Georgian fighter has made a post to show his gratitude towards Dana White and the UFC top brass. Hunter Campbell, Sean Shelby, and Mick Maynard got a shout-out as well.
I want to thank Dana White because he didn’t find me that amazing night at Ring of Combat , I might not have been a part of @ufc and would have continued my path in another organization. Also thanks to Hunter Camball for all the work he does and thanks to match makers Sean Shelby and Mick Mainer. Also to the UFC staff for their tireless physical work
Merab Dvalishvili via X
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
Though O’Malley has recently objected to the decision made by the judges, he has not gotten any kind of support from fight fans on his claims. Dvalishvili did respond to O’Malley’s comments and made a hilarious skit to mock the former champion. It appears Dvalishvili is living life to the fullest after the title win.
