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.
January 10, 1991: Merab Dvalishvili's Birth
On January 10, 1991, Merab Dvalishvili was born. He is a Georgian and American professional mixed martial artist.
Share
2014: MMA Career Start
In 2014, Merab Dvalishvili started his MMA career, fighting under various promotions like CFFC and Ring of Combat.
Share
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.
Share
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.
Share
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.
Share
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.
Share
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.
Share
2019: World Sambo Championships
In 2019, Dvalishvili finished second in the World Sambo Championships in South Korea, losing to Stepan Kobenov in the finals.
Share
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.
Share
June 11, 2020: Ray Borg Withdraws
On June 11, 2020, Ray Borg withdrew from his scheduled bout against Merab Dvalishvili, and was replaced by Gustavo Lopez.
Share
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.
Share
August 15, 2020: Victory over John Dodson
On August 15, 2020, Merab Dvalishvili won against John Dodson via unanimous decision at UFC 252.
Share
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.
Share
February 6, 2021: Rescheduled Stamann Fight Postponement
On February 6, 2021, the rescheduled bout between Merab Dvalishvili and Cody Stamann at UFC Fight Night 184 was postponed after Dvalishvili withdrew due to COVID-19 complications.
Share
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.
Share
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.
Share
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.
Share
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.
Share
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.
Share
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).
Share
February 17, 2024: Victory over Henry Cejudo
On February 17, 2024, Merab Dvalishvili defeated Henry Cejudo by unanimous decision at UFC 298.
Share
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.
Share
2024: Showboating During Fights
Starting in 2024, Dvalishvili became known for showboating during fights, such as talking to Mark Zuckerberg, kissing Sean O'Malley, and taunting Umar Nurmagomedov.
Share
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.
Share
January 21, 2025: UFC Pound-for-Pound Ranking
As of January 21, 2025, Merab Dvalishvili is ranked #5 in the UFC men's pound-for-pound rankings.
Share