If there’s one thing Merab Dvalishvili wants the world to know, he’s not just setting the pace in the UFC Bantamweight division. He’s pace. With a deeper grin on his gas tank, Dvalishvili threw the gauntlet into legends and candidates alike, boldly proclaiming the indisputable cardio king. As UFC 316 approaches and the spotlight grows, Merab isn’t just fighting to protect his belt. He proves that when it comes to long lasting, he is already running laps around the competition.
Merab Stay
The Georgian Bantamweight, who has built a reputation for pushing the relentless pace within the Octagon, recently said in an interview, “GSP is one of my favourite fighters and he has good cardio. Habib has good cardio.
So, Merab Dvalishvili put himself on a list that includes some of the most respected engines in the sport. Dvalishvili’s confidence is not without reason. His fights are often a takedown attempt, scrambling, and blurring of pressure, which rarely rises from the opening bell to the final horn. Opponents, including former champions and Olympic medalists, withered under his work rate. Fans began to expect a non-stop performance every time they step into the cage.
The main event for UFC 316 features a rematch between current champion Merabdvalischvili and former champion Sean O’Malley in the bantamweight title, set for five rounds at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey on June 7, 2025.
The name he mentioned in the quote is not a Grind stranger. Georges St-Pierre (GSP) is a UFC Hall of Fame and a former two-division champion, known for his disciplined approach and ability to last longer than his opponents in five rounds of battle. Khabib Nurmagomedov retired from his choking style and unbreakable pace, making him one of the greatest lightweights ever. Ilia Topuria is a rising star and praises his endurance as she climbs the featherweight class. Former bantamweight champion Petr Yang is recognized for his surge in holidays and technical pressure.
However, as Dvalishvili prepares for UFC 316, he made it clear that he believes he is in his league when it comes to cardio. It has not yet been seen whether that claim will be held after his next fight, but one thing is for sure, it hasn’t questioned Merab’s engine.