In a dominant performance at UFC 316, Merab Dvalishvili defended the bantamweight championship with a submission victory over Sean O’Malley, proving once and for all that he is the division’s king. The Georgian star’s journey from poverty to championship glory showcased both his martial arts prowess and the remarkable story of perseverance that brought him to the pinnacle of mixed martial arts.
Competing near his adopted home of New York and New Jersey, Dvalishvili expressed deep gratitude for the special moment.
“It was today special day because we was fighting here close to New York, New Jersey. I start professional career here. I start my first steps United States here,”
Dvalishvili, who now extends his winning streak to an impressive 13 consecutive victories, found success both on the feet and ground against O’Malley before securing what he called a “north south ninja choke” in the championship rounds.
“To be honest, I’m just getting better everywhere. I’m not only focused for one thing,” Dvalishvili explained when asked about his game plan. “During the training camp the game plan changed. Sometimes I’m doing like body shots good. Sometimes I look good in striking.”
“For sure he was much better. Maybe not only that, he knew my moves. When you fight same guy, of course you’re not going to make same mistakes.”
Growing Up Without Electricity
Dvalishvili‘s path to championship glory becomes even more remarkable when considering his humble beginnings. In a candid moment following his victory, the champion revealed the harsh realities of his childhood in post-war Georgia.
“When I was young, I wanted to be an athlete because I want to represent my country outside of my country,” Dvalishvili shared. “I was living in Georgia. I speak only Georgian and I don’t really see much. I grow up like I don’t even have a TV until I was 12 and I don’t even really have electricity in my car because we was coming from the war 1991.”
“He was growing up as a new new new new new new new and it doesn’t even make sense to have a refrigerator you know because light was going and come maybe,”
“I come from nothing. I started fighting in the sport because I want to represent my country and I think I’m doing okay. I’m happy that I can make my country people, Georgian people proud.”
Aljamain Sterling’s Crucial Role
Dvalishvili credited former champion and training partner Aljamain Sterling for his crucial role in preparation, announcing a touching gesture of gratitude that highlighted the bond between the two fighters.
“In this training camp, my friend Aljamain Sterling helped me so much. He was sparring with me three times a week. And he was two times better than Sean O’Malley striking,” Dvalishvili revealed. “He doesn’t have a fight. He’s getting married. He doesn’t really like sparring much, but he was sparring with me three times a week.”
“I tell him today I have to split my bonus and give him half. Let’s go brother. That will be my wedding gift.”
“Aljo Sterling used to beat me and still beats me,” Dvalishvili admitted. “He has like 20-something wins in UFC. And he beat a lot of good guys and he’s the goat. He’s the best. He’s the big brother.”
Barrier Breaking During Walkout
The champion’s journey to the octagon at UFC 316 nearly faced an unexpected setback when enthusiastic fans caused a barrier to collapse during his walkout.
“What happened was I’m walking and people tried to touch me and then I tried to jump touch them and I guess they pushed the barrier,” Dvalishvili explained. “They jumped and they almost kicked me in the head and they almost knocked me out before I walk in. The barrier got broke or something because people push.”
“Then security put me against the wall and I’m like ‘bro, I’m a fighter, let me go,'” he recalled.
“I see what happened. I’m just professional and I don’t… I mean nothing I can do that time. I cannot really help people or I cannot really… this happened and happen and I have to make sure to act again.”
Dana White’s Praise
UFC President Dana White was effusive in his praise for Dvalishvili‘s performance, going so far as to suggest the Georgian might be the greatest bantamweight of all time.
“He’s starting to look like one of the best bantamweights of all time, if not the best,” White said following the impressive victory.
“We don’t know. And Sean O’Malley came in 100% healthy, ready mentally, physically, in every way you could be ready for this fight. And Merab finished.”
“He’s definitely there and he will keep racking them up, I’m sure.”
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Dvalishvili seems poised to face Cory Sandhagen next.
“Top of my head, he’s the best deserving guy in this division right now. He was fighting always the best of the best. He’s a company guy and he’s very respectful,” Dvalishvili said.
The new champion plans to maintain an active schedule, aiming for two more title defenses this year if possible.
“I’m just going two weeks vacation—one week in my country Georgia, and then a week in Bali. After Bali, I’m coming straight back to support Ilia Topuria, and I’m ready whenever UFC wants me.”
“I never say no to guys that want to fight too much. There’s no such thing.”
