Career Timeline of Merab Dvalishvili: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Merab Dvalishvili built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Merab Dvalishvili is a Georgian-American professional mixed martial artist currently competing in the UFC's bantamweight division. Notably, he is the reigning UFC Bantamweight Champion and the first Georgian-born champion in the promotion's history. As of June 2025, he holds a high ranking in the UFC's pound-for-pound list, solidifying his position as one of the sport's top competitors.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2014: Start of MMA Career

In 2014, Merab Dvalishvili started his MMA career, fighting under various promotions such as CFFC and Ring of Combat before being signed to UFC.

June 2, 2017: Dana White: Lookin' for a Fight Win

On June 2, 2017, Merab Dvalishvili's fight against Raufeon Stots was featured on 'Dana White: Lookin' for a Fight.' Dvalishvili won via spinning backfist KO and was awarded a UFC contract.

December 9, 2017: UFC Debut

On December 9, 2017, Merab Dvalishvili made his UFC debut against Frankie Saenz at UFC Fight Night: Swanson vs. Ortega, losing via split decision.

April 21, 2018: Fight of the Night Award

On April 21, 2018, Merab Dvalishvili lost to Ricky Simón via technical submission at UFC Fight Night: Barboza vs. Lee, but earned the Fight of the Night award.

September 15, 2018: Victory Against Terrion Ware

On September 15, 2018, Merab Dvalishvili faced Terrion Ware at UFC Fight Night: Hunt vs. Oleinik and won the fight via unanimous decision.

May 4, 2019: Victory Against Brad Katona

On May 4, 2019, Merab Dvalishvili faced Brad Katona at UFC Fight Night: Iaquinta vs. Cowboy and won the fight via unanimous decision.

2019: World Sambo Championships

In 2019, Merab Dvalishvili won a silver medal at the World Sambo Championships in South Korea, competing in the ‍–‍68 kg weight class. He lost in the finals to Russia's Stepan Kobenov.

February 15, 2020: Victory Against Casey Kenney

On February 15, 2020, Merab Dvalishvili faced Casey Kenney at UFC Fight Night 167. He won the fight by unanimous decision.

June 11, 2020: Ray Borg Withdraws

On June 11, 2020, it was reported that Ray Borg withdrew from his scheduled bout against Merab Dvalishvili at UFC on ESPN: Eye vs. Calvillo. He was replaced by Gustavo Lopez.

June 13, 2020: Victory Against Gustavo Lopez

On June 13, 2020, Merab Dvalishvili faced promotional newcomer Gustavo Lopez at UFC on ESPN: Eye vs. Calvillo after Ray Borg withdrew. Dvalishvili won by unanimous decision in a catchweight bout of 140 pounds.

August 15, 2020: Victory Against John Dodson

On August 15, 2020, Merab Dvalishvili faced John Dodson at UFC 252 and won the fight via unanimous decision.

December 5, 2020: Stamann Fight Delayed

On December 5, 2020, Merab Dvalishvili was originally scheduled to face Cody Stamann at UFC on ESPN 19, but Stamann pulled out and was replaced by Raoni Barcelos.

February 6, 2021: Rescheduled Stamann Fight Delayed Again

On February 6, 2021, the bout between Merab Dvalishvili and Cody Stamann, previously scheduled for December 5, 2020, was rescheduled for UFC Fight Night 184. However, Dvalishvili had to pull out due to COVID-19 complications.

May 1, 2021: Victory Against Cody Stamann

On May 1, 2021, after multiple reschedulings, Merab Dvalishvili faced Cody Stamann at UFC on ESPN: Reyes vs. Procházka and won the bout via unanimous decision.

September 25, 2021: Performance of the Night Award

On September 25, 2021, Merab Dvalishvili faced Marlon Moraes at UFC 266, winning by TKO in round two after a comeback. He earned the Performance of the Night award.

October 29, 2021: Fury Pro Grappling 2

On October 29, 2021, Merab Dvalishvili fought in the main event of Fury Pro Grappling 2 and lost a unanimous decision to Kevin Dantzler.

August 20, 2022: Victory Against José Aldo

On August 20, 2022, Merab Dvalishvili faced former UFC Featherweight champion José Aldo at UFC 278. He won the bout via unanimous decision.

January 21, 2023: High Rollerz 23 Victory

On January 21, 2023, Merab Dvalishvili competed against Darren Branch in the main event of High Rollerz 23. He won the match by submission, with a choke from Kesa-gatame.

March 11, 2023: Victory Against Petr Yan

On March 11, 2023, Merab Dvalishvili faced former UFC Bantamweight champion Petr Yan at UFC Fight Night: Yan vs. Dvalishvili. He won the fight via unanimous decision and broke the UFC record for most takedowns attempted in a single bout with 49 attempts.

February 17, 2024: Victory Against Henry Cejudo

On February 17, 2024, Merab Dvalishvili faced former UFC Flyweight and Bantamweight champion Henry Cejudo at UFC 298. Dvalishvili won by unanimous decision.

June 2024: U.S. National Combat Sambo Tournament

In June 2024, Merab Dvalishvili won a gold medal competing in the ‍–‍64 kg weight class at the U.S. National Combat Sambo Tournament in Denton, Texas.

September 14, 2024: UFC Bantamweight Championship Victory

On September 14, 2024, Merab Dvalishvili captured the UFC Bantamweight Championship with a unanimous decision victory over Sean O'Malley.

January 18, 2025: First Title Defense

On January 18, 2025, Merab Dvalishvili made his first title defense against Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 311 and won the fight by unanimous decision. This fight earned him another Fight of the Night award and broke the record for most takedowns landed in UFC history with 92.

June 7, 2025: Second Title Defense

On June 7, 2025, Merab Dvalishvili made his second title defense against Sean O'Malley in a rematch at UFC 316. He won the fight via a north-south choke submission at the end of the third round and earned another Performance of the Night award.