Merab Dvalishvili The Machine

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Fighter bio

Merab Dvalishvili, nicknamed “The Machine”, is a Georgian MMA fighter competing in the roosterweight category of the UFC. Born on January 10, 1991 in Tbilisi, Georgia, he started out in disciplines such as chidaoba (traditional Georgian wrestling), khridoli, sambo and judo. In 2013, he emigrated to the United States to pursue a career in mixed martial arts.

Before fully dedicating himself to MMA, Dvalishvili worked in construction until 2019, which strengthened his determination and work ethic. He joined the UFC in 2017, facing a rocky start, but went on to string together an impressive winning streak. In September 2024, at UFC 306, he won the bantamweight title by defeating Sean O'Malley, becoming the first Georgian to win a UFC belt.

Following this historic victory, the Georgian government offered him one million lari (around $370,000). Dvalishvili has chosen to donate this sum to charity and invest in the development of combat sports in Georgia, demonstrating his commitment to his native country.

In January 2025, at UFC 311, he successfully defended his title against Umar Nurmagomedov, winning by unanimous decision after an intense five-round fight. This performance earned him a $50,000 “Fight of the Night” bonus and extended his consecutive winning streak to twelve.

Outside the octagon, Dvalishvili is known for his lively personality and sense of humor, often showcased on social networks. Despite his playful side, he remains a formidable competitor, determined to proudly represent Georgia on the international MMA scene.