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 and American professional mixed martial artist competing in the UFC's Bantamweight division. He is the current UFC Bantamweight Champion, being the second Georgian to win a UFC title after Ilia Topuria. He is currently ranked #5 in the UFC men's pound-for-pound rankings as of January 21, 2025.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2014: MMA Career Start

In 2014, Merab Dvalishvili started his MMA career, fighting under various promotions like CFFC and Ring of Combat.

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

On June 2, 2017, Merab Dvalishvili won his matchup against Raufeon Stots on 'Dana White: Lookin' for a Fight' via spinning backfist KO, earning 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. An appeal was denied.

September 15, 2018: Victory over Terrion Ware

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

May 4, 2019: Victory over Brad Katona

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

February 15, 2020: Victory over Casey Kenney

On February 15, 2020, Merab Dvalishvili won against Casey Kenney by unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night 167.

June 13, 2020: Victory over Gustavo Lopez

On June 13, 2020, Merab Dvalishvili defeated Gustavo Lopez by unanimous decision at UFC on ESPN: Eye vs. Calvillo.

August 15, 2020: Victory over John Dodson

On August 15, 2020, Merab Dvalishvili won against John Dodson via unanimous decision at UFC 252.

December 5, 2020: Initial Cody Stamann Fight Scheduling

On December 5, 2020, Merab Dvalishvili was initially scheduled to face Cody Stamann at UFC on ESPN 19, before Stamann pulled out.

May 1, 2021: Victory over Cody Stamann

On May 1, 2021, Merab Dvalishvili finally faced and defeated Cody Stamann via unanimous decision at UFC on ESPN: Reyes vs. Procházka.

September 25, 2021: Performance of the Night against Marlon Moraes

On September 25, 2021, Merab Dvalishvili defeated Marlon Moraes via TKO at UFC 266, earning the Performance of the Night award.

October 29, 2021: Fury Pro Grappling 2 Loss

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

August 20, 2022: Victory over José Aldo

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

January 21, 2023: High Rollerz 23 Victory

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

March 11, 2023: Victory over Petr Yan & UFC Record

On March 11, 2023, Merab Dvalishvili defeated Petr Yan via unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night: Yan vs. Dvalishvili, setting a UFC record for most takedowns attempted in a single bout (49).

February 17, 2024: Victory over Henry Cejudo

On February 17, 2024, Merab Dvalishvili defeated Henry Cejudo by unanimous decision at UFC 298.

September 14, 2024: UFC Bantamweight Championship Win

On September 14, 2024, Merab Dvalishvili won the UFC Bantamweight Championship against Sean O'Malley at UFC 306 by unanimous decision.

January 18, 2025: First Title Defense and Fight of the Night

On January 18, 2025, Merab Dvalishvili made his first title defense against Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 311, winning by unanimous decision and earning another Fight of the Night award.