UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili has revealed his unorthodox training approach that emphasizes cardiovascular fitness over traditional weightlifting.
In a recent podcast appearance, Dvalishvili shared that he rarely lifts weights, instead dedicating much of his training to running and cardio work. “I only lift when I miss training or I’m injured,” he explained. “If I have extra time I will lift, but I don’t have extra time.”
The Georgian star said he prefers to spend his training sessions doing jiu-jitsu, wrestling, and striking work. When it comes to conditioning, Dvalishvili focuses heavily on running – both sprints and longer distance jogging.
“Sometimes if I have a short time, I try to run speed,” he said. “If I have more time later, I enjoy long jogging.” He also incorporates hill sprints into his routine, running up and down inclines repeatedly.
This cardio-centric approach appears to be paying dividends for Dvalishvili, who is renowned for his relentless pace and seemingly inexhaustible gas tank in the octagon. He credits years of pushing himself in training for developing his exceptional cardiovascular fitness.
“I think over years I was just keep pushing training,” Dvalishvili said. “Even if I’m traveling, if I’m not able to spar or do wrestling or jiu-jitsu, at least I run.”
While unconventional compared to many fighters’ strength-focused regimens, Dvalishvili’s cardio-heavy training style has clearly been effective in propelling him to the top of the UFC bantamweight division. His unique approach offers an intriguing counterpoint to more traditional MMA training methods.
Dvalishvili tried his hand at running a trucking business in order to help provide a stable income for himself
Dvalishvili discussed some of his business pursuits outside of the octagon. The Georgian explained that he invested in real estate by purchasing homes in both New York and Las Vegas.
Out of the UFC stars training at Matt Serra’s gym, there’s several who have gone into real estate. Al Iaquinta retired from MMA and is working full time as a realtor, Aljamain Sterling owns real estate and Merab does as well.
However, Merab also decided to try his hand at entrepreneurship by launching a trucking and transportation company.
“I try some business like a trucking business,” Dvalishvili said. “Transportation, but now not doing very well like now this time.”
The champion admitted the trucking venture didn’t pan out as successfully as he had hoped. As a result, he made the decision to sell off the business and refocus solely on his MMA career.
“I sell again and I decide to just focus like you know I’m doing best business you know just fighting and make money,” he explained.
Dvalishvili’s attempt at running a trucking company highlights the financial realities many MMA stars face, even at the championship level. By exploring business opportunities outside of the sport, he aimed to create more financial stability and security for himself.
This is especially relevant given recent lawsuit depositions that find a number of former UFC stars struggling to support themselves and keep a roof over their head.
The UFC class action lawsuit, Lee vs. Zuffa, has brought to light the severe struggles many former stars face after their careers end. With the potential for a $375 million settlement, veteran stars like Shane Carwin and Wanderlei Silva have shared heartbreaking accounts of financial instability and chronic health issues, including traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and ongoing medical problems.
Carwin, despite holding an engineering degree, cannot maintain steady employment, while Silva fears long-term effects of concussions. Other fighters like Vitor Belfort and John Howard stress the need for immediate funds to address their health crises, care for family members, and cover basic living expenses. Many have no health insurance, making it nearly impossible to treat their debilitating injuries.
