Merab Dvalishvili – UFC Record, Stats, and Next Fight Update
Merab Dvalishvili, widely known as “The Machine,” built one of the most dominant runs in UFC bantamweight history before suffering a setback in December 2025. The Georgian fighter entered the record books with three title defenses in a single calendar year, only to lose the championship in a rematch against Petr Yan at UFC 323. As of mid-2026, the 35‑year‑old remains a top contender in the division, with his next move eagerly anticipated by fans and analysts alike.
Born in Tbilisi, Georgia, Dvalishvili now fights out of Garden City Park, New York, under the Serra-Longo Fight Team. His relentless pace, wrestling‑heavy style, and record‑setting takedown numbers have made him one of the most recognizable names in the bantamweight class.
What Is Merab Dvalishvili’s UFC Record and Career Stats?
| Record | Next Fight | Height / Weight | Nickname |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21‑5‑0 (W‑L‑D) | To be announced (as of 2026) | 5 ft 6 in / 135 lbs (Bantamweight) | “The Machine” |
- Dvalishvili holds the UFC bantamweight record for most takedowns in a single fight ( 13 vs. Petr Yan ).
- He rode a 14‑fight winning streak before losing the title in December 2025.
- His training base is the Serra-Longo Fight Team, alongside former champion Aljamain Sterling.
- Despite a high‑volume striking approach, his accuracy sits at around 41 % – but his pace often overwhelms opponents.
- He is an Orthodox Christian, a detail he has referenced in several interviews.
- 76.2 % of his wins (16 of 21) have come by decision, reflecting his cardio‑based pressure style.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Merab Dvalishvili |
| Born | January 10, 1991 (age 35) |
| Nationality | Georgian / American |
| Height | 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in) |
| Reach | 68 in (173 cm) |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Team | Serra-Longo Fight Team |
| UFC Record | 17‑4‑0 |
| Overall Record | 21‑5‑0 |
| Status | Active (Bantamweight) |
His official UFC statistics are maintained by UFCStats. Additional career data is available on VerdictMMA.
Who Is Merab Dvalishvili Fighting Next?
Last Fight Result
Dvalishvili lost the UFC bantamweight championship to Petr Yan on December 6, 2025, at UFC 323. The defeat ended a 14‑fight winning streak and his attempt to become the first UFC champion to defend a title four times in one calendar year.
Next Fight Outlook
As of July 2026, no official opponent or date has been announced. Given his recent title reign and record‑setting takedown totals, Dvalishvili is expected to pursue a return to title contention in the bantamweight division. The UFC has not yet confirmed his next fight.
While speculation links Dvalishvili to a potential rematch or a bout against another top‑five contender, no official announcement has been made. Fans should monitor the UFC’s official schedule for confirmed dates.
How Tall Is Merab Dvalishvili and What Are His Physical Stats?
Height, Weight, and Reach
Merab Dvalishvili stands 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) tall and competes in the bantamweight division at 135 pounds. His reach measures 68 inches (173 cm). These figures are recorded by Tapology and ESPN.
Fighting Style and Training
Dvalishvili holds a black belt in Judo and is a European Youth bronze medalist in Sambo. His game plan relies on relentless forward pressure, high‑volume striking, and a record‑breaking wrestling pace. He trains kickboxing and jiu-jitsu under the Serra-Longo team. His favourite striking technique is the high kick, and he has cited Mike Tyson as his greatest hero.
Although Dvalishvili is shorter than many bantamweights (most opponents stand 5 ft 7 in or taller), his 68‑inch reach and low‑center‑of‑gravity wrestling create unique angles that often disrupt taller fighters.
What Is Merab Dvalishvili’s Religion and Personal Life?
Religious Background
Dvalishvili is an Orthodox Christian, a faith he has mentioned in interviews and on social media. His Georgian heritage is central to his identity, and he frequently represents his home country during fight week.
Marital Status
He is married, but his wife’s name and occupation have not been widely publicised in credible sources. Beyond the fact of his marriage, no further details are reliably reported.
Nationality and Team
Dvalishvili was born in Tbilisi, Georgia, and now resides in Garden City Park, New York. He competes under the Serra-Longo Fight Team. His official UFC profile notes that he completed a college education in Physical Education.
No confirmed information about children or extended family is available in public records or verified interviews.
How Does Merab Dvalishvili Compare to Petr Yan?
| Attribute | Merab Dvalishvili | Petr Yan |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (168 cm) | 5 ft 7 in (173 cm) |
| Weight | 135 lbs | 135 lbs |
| Reach | 68 in (173 cm) | ~69 in (175 cm) |
| Record (as of 2025) | 21‑5‑0 | 20‑5‑0 |
| Fighting Style | Striker / Takedown specialist | Striker / Precision counter‑puncher |
| Key Achievement | 92 UFC takedowns (record) | Former bantamweight champion |
| 2025 Result | Lost title at UFC 323 | Won title back at UFC 323 |
Their first encounter at UFC Fight Night 221 (March 11, 2023) ended with Dvalishvili winning a five‑round unanimous decision, landing 13 takedowns. In the rematch at UFC 323, Yan reclaimed the bantamweight title, ending Dvalishvili’s historic 2025 campaign. Detailed records are available on UFC’s official site and Wikipedia.
The series stands at 1‑1. Dvalishvili dominated the first fight with wrestling; Yan adjusted in the rematch, using precise counter‑striking to regain the belt.
What Is the Timeline of Merab Dvalishvili’s Career Milestones?
- – Professional MMA debut in Georgia.
- – Joins UFC; loses debut to Frankie Saenz.
- – First UFC win via submission of Rani Yahya (later overturned to No Contest).
- – Builds win streak: defeats Casey Kenney, John Dodson, Cody Stamann, and Marlon Moraes.
- – Defeats José Aldo in a contender eliminator.
- – Beats Petr Yan via unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night 221.
- – Wins over Henry Cejudo at UFC 298.
- – Three title defenses: Umar Nurmagomedov (Jan 18), Sean O’Malley (Jun 7), Cory Sandhagen (Oct 4).
- – Loses title to Petr Yan at UFC 323.
Source: Wikipedia and UFCStats.
What Information About Merab Dvalishvili Is Certain vs. Unclear?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Official UFC record: 21‑5‑0 (as of last fight in Dec 2025) | His next fight opponent and date are not yet announced. |
| Height: 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in) | Exact net worth is not publicly verified. |
| Married (wife’s name not publicly confirmed) | Details about his wife (name, occupation) are not widely reported. |
| Religious affiliation: Orthodox Christian | No confirmed information about children. |
| Last fight: Loss vs. Petr Yan (Dec 6, 2025) | Speculation about a title rematch or a fight against another contender remains unofficial. |
What Is Merab Dvalishvili’s Fighting Style and Title Shot Prospects?
Dvalishvili employs a high‑pressure wrestling style underpinned by a black belt in Judo and Sambo background. His striking volume is high, but accuracy is moderate; he instead relies on pace and takedown threats to control fights. With 92 takedowns landed in UFC history – a record for the bantamweight division – he has established himself as one of the most relentless wrestlers in the sport.
Following wins over Aldo, Yan (first fight), and Cejudo, Dvalishvili became the clear No. 1 contender. After losing the belt, he is expected to work his way back into title contention. The UFC may schedule him against another top‑five opponent or a direct rematch, depending on division dynamics.
What Are the Best Sources for Merab Dvalishvili Information?
“Merab Dvalishvili is a machine. His cardio, his wrestling, his will to win – it’s off the charts.”
– Aljamain Sterling, teammate
“I come from Georgia. I fight for my country. Every time I step in the cage, I give everything.”
– Merab Dvalishvili, post‑fight interview
Primary reliable sources include the UFC official athlete page, ESPN, and Tapology. For detailed statistics, UFCStats provides official fight data.
What Is the Overall Summary of Merab Dvalishvili’s Career?
Merab Dvalishvili is a former UFC bantamweight champion who, in 2025, made history with three title defenses in a single year before losing the belt to Petr Yan. With a 21‑5‑0 record, a record 92 takedowns, and a reputation for relentless pressure, “The Machine” remains a top contender. For more athlete biographies, see Billy Joe Saunders – Record, Net Worth & Career Update and Nikki Bella – Biography, Husband, Kids, and Career in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions About Merab Dvalishvili
What is Merab Dvalishvili’s nickname?
He is known as “The Machine.”
What is Merab Dvalishvili’s reach?
His reach is 68 inches (173 cm).
How many fights has Merab Dvalishvili won by knockout?
He has 5 wins by TKO/KO out of his 21 total wins.
Does Merab Dvalishvili have any children?
There is no public information about children.
Where was Merab Dvalishvili born?
He was born in Tbilisi, Georgia.
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