Merab Dvalishvili seizes 2025 by the throat. The final chapter could make him immortal

Merab Dvalishvili entered 2025 battered, frustrated, and facing a fight he hadnt anticipated. Yet, one victory away from closing out the year, he stands on the verge of accomplishing something unprecedented in UFC history: defending a title four times in a single year.

At the start of January, Dvalishvili arrived at Syndicate MMA in Las Vegas, carrying the weight of a disrupted training camp for his fight against undefeated contender Umar Nurmagomedov. Holiday closures had interrupted his schedule, he missed Christmas, and his birthday on January 10 passed unnoticed as he continued training. Adding to the challenge, he was quietly managing a staph infection on his leg.

Reflecting on that period, Dvalishvili recalled the physical pain and mental strain. Despite the setbacks, he remained resolute, motivated by respect and the desire to prove himself against a competitor who had been dismissive online. "Ive never pulled out of a fight," he said, "and yet he kept questioning me. I just wanted the respect I earned."

Few could have predicted that this rough start would culminate in Dvalishvili potentially setting a new standard for champions. As 2025 progressed, he methodically dominated the bantamweight division. His upcoming bout at UFC 323 is a rematch against Petr Yan, a fighter he previously defeated in March 2023 with overwhelming control: 147-75 in strikes, 11 takedowns, and nearly seven minutes of ground dominance.

This year, Dvalishvili has maintained an unbroken streak of triumphs. Umar Nurmagomedov endured a loss despite observing Ramadan, Cory Sandhagen was outclassed in four of five rounds at UFC 320, and Sean OMalley failed to surpass the third round in their rematch at UFC 306. Each fight reinforced Merabs reputation as a relentless force, earning the respect of peers and critics alike.

Dvalishvili credits his success to relentless work ethic and a simple philosophy: prepare intensely, execute consistently, and maintain pace. After the fight? No. In the fight? Also no, he stated when asked if fatigue ever caught up with him. His approach leaves little room for complex game plans; he lets his skill, endurance, and pressure define the outcome.

Looking ahead to the rematch with Yan, Dvalishvili is focused on his own performance rather than overthinking his opponents adjustments. He recognizes Yans talent but trusts his own experience and preparation will secure the victory.

The historic nature of Dvalishvilis 2025 campaign is clear: no UFC champion has defended a belt four times in a single year. Where others might slow down due to scheduling conflicts, injuries, or personal issues, Merab has pressed forward relentlessly, turning obstacles into opportunities to assert his dominance.

As 2026 approaches, Dvalishvili plans to maintain his momentum. "I want to be busy and realistic," he said, hinting at fights in March, June, and two more by years end. His vision is clear: continue to push limits and redefine what it means to be a UFC champion.

Author: Noah Whitman