A closer look at the biggest achievements of Merab Dvalishvili. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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2019: World Sambo Championships
In 2019, Dvalishvili finished second in the World Sambo Championships in South Korea, losing to Stepan Kobenov in the finals.
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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.
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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.
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August 15, 2020: Victory over John Dodson
On August 15, 2020, Merab Dvalishvili won against John Dodson via unanimous decision at UFC 252.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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February 17, 2024: Victory over Henry Cejudo
On February 17, 2024, Merab Dvalishvili defeated Henry Cejudo by unanimous decision at UFC 298.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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