UFC

Merab “The Machine”Dvalishvili

UFC17-4-0

Division
Bantamweight
Stance
Orthodox
Height
5' 6"
Weight
135 lbs.
Reach
68"
Nationality
Tbilisi, Georgia
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Fighter metrics

Wins by KO
2
Wins by submission
1
Wins by decision
8

Striking accuracy

42%

829 landed · 1,995 attempted

Takedown accuracy

37%

Fight history

  • Sean O'Malley

    UFC 306: Riyadh Season Noche UFC · Sep 14, 2024

    Awaiting Results
  • Henry Cejudo

    UFC 298: Volkanovski vs. Topuria · Feb 17, 2024

    Winner

    Unanimous Decision · Round 3

  • Petr Yan

    UFC Fight Night: Yan vs. Dvalishvili · Mar 11, 2023

    Winner

    Unanimous Decision · Round 5

  • Jose Aldo

    UFC 278: Usman vs. Edwards 2 · Aug 20, 2022

    Winner

    Unanimous Decision · Round 3

  • Marlon Moraes

    UFC 266: Volkanovski vs. Ortega · Sep 25, 2021

    Winner

    KO/TKO · Round 2 · 4:25

  • Cody Stamann

    UFC Fight Night: Reyes vs. Prochazka · May 1, 2021

    Winner

    Decision · Round 3

  • John Dodson

    UFC 252: Miocic vs. Cormier 3 · Aug 15, 2020

    Winner

    Decision · Round 3

  • Casey Kenney

    UFC Fight Night: Anderson vs. Blachowicz · Feb 15, 2020

    Winner

    Decision · Round 3

  • Opponent unavailable

    UFC FN: Iaquinta vs. Cowboy · May 4, 2019

    Winner

    Decision

Merab Dvalishvili Bio

Merab Dvalishvili is a Georgian mixed martial artist from Tbilisi, Georgia, born January 10, 1991. As of September 11, 2026, he is an active UFC bantamweight. Known as “The Machine,” Dvalishvili trains with Team Serra/Longo and is listed by the UFC as a freestyle fighter. He stands 5 feet 6 inches tall and has a black belt in judo.

Dvalishvili began training in 2010 after a background in judo and sambo, then turned professional in 2014. Before arriving in the UFC, he won two Ring of Combat titles. His UFC debut came on December 9, 2017, against Frankie Saenz. The UFC credits his education in Georgia as physical education.

His style is built around constant forward pressure, chain wrestling and a punishing pace. Dvalishvili won the UFC bantamweight championship by defeating Sean O’Malley on September 14, 2024. He subsequently defended the title against Umar Nurmagomedov, O’Malley and Cory Sandhagen in 2025 before Petr Yan defeated him by unanimous decision on December 6, 2025.

Record
17-4-0
Division
Bantamweight
Fighting style
Freestyle
Stance
Orthodox
Height
5' 6"
Weight
135 lbs.
Reach
68"
Leg reach
38.00
Nationality
Tbilisi, Georgia
Birth date
Jan 10, 1991 (age 35)
Age
35
Birthplace
, ,
Country
Georgia

Merab Dvalishvili Questions & Answers

What UFC division does Merab Dvalishvili compete in?

Merab Dvalishvili competes in the UFC bantamweight division.

How tall is Merab Dvalishvili and when was he born?

He is listed at 5 feet 6 inches tall and was born on January 10, 1991.

Where does Merab Dvalishvili train?

He trains at Team Serra/Longo.

When did Dvalishvili make his UFC debut?

He made his Octagon debut on December 9, 2017, against Frankie Saenz.

Has Merab Dvalishvili held a UFC title?

Yes. He won the UFC bantamweight title against Sean O’Malley on September 14, 2024, and lost it to Petr Yan on December 6, 2025.

What is Merab Dvalishvili’s fighting style?

He is a high-pressure fighter whose game centers on persistent chain wrestling, repeated takedown attempts, scrambles and ground-and-pound, supported by demanding cardio.

Did Merab Dvalishvili attend college?

Yes. The UFC lists him as having completed a physical education degree in Georgia.