UFC bantamweight contender Merab Dvalishvili is wasting no time getting back to work following his recent title loss, and he’s enlisted an unlikely training partner to help sharpen his skills.
The Georgian grappler shared footage this week of a sparring session with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, with former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling also present at the session. The video shows three rounds of controlled sparring between the former champion and one of the world’s wealthiest tech executives.
Dvalishvili recently dropped the 135-pound belt in his rematch with Petr Yan at UFC 323 earlier this month. The two stars now stand at one win apiece, setting the stage for an anticipated trilogy bout expected sometime next year.
For Zuckerberg, the session represents another chapter in his ongoing martial arts journey. The billionaire has become increasingly dedicated to mixed martial arts training in recent years, even briefly entertaining the possibility of a bout with Elon Musk inside the octagon.
In the footage, Zuckerberg demonstrates noticeable progress in his technique, managing to score a takedown on the former champion during their controlled exchange. While Dvalishvili is clearly not operating at full intensity, the Meta CEO shows improved fundamentals and composure throughout the session.
The sparring took place in an impressive private facility, reflecting the resources Zuckerberg has invested in his martial arts pursuits. Despite starting his athletic journey later in life compared to professional competitors, he maintains a consistent training schedule and competes at the blue belt level in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
For Dvalishvili, the session serves as part of his preparation for an eventual return to title contention. The 34-year-old has built his reputation on relentless cardio and wrestling pressure, making him an ideal partner for Zuckerberg’s continued development.
Merab Dvalishvili vs Mark Zuckerberg…….Zuck looking better will not lie.
byu/Wayward_Prometheus inMMAMedia
