Merab Dvalishvili has come a long way to becoming a UFC champion.
At one time, “The Machine” was considered one of the least interesting fighters in the bantamweight division. Today, he is probably the greatest fighter this division has ever seen.
On Dec. 6, at UFC 323 in Las Vegas, he will aim to extend his historic record by taking on No. 2 ranked Petr Yan for his fourth gold medal in 2025.
During a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Dvalishvili reflected on his long and winding road to the 135-pound title and how the UFC never saw him as championship material.
“Initially, the UFC didn’t want me as a champion. You remember, they put me through everything,” Dvalishvili said. “I won matches, I made records, people supported me. Now things have changed. I’m a champion and Dana said I’m the GOAT. Of course, it’s a blessing. The fans supported me and now I feel the love.”
It wasn’t always like that. I was the last choice to fight for the belt before they made me fight everyone. When I beat Petr Yan, I had surgery on my hand and was the number one choice, but when Sean O’Malley was the champion, they chose “Tito” Vera and made me fight Henry Cejudo instead. So it broke my heart a little bit, but I accepted it and won and won it. ”
Dvalishvili has won 14 consecutive fights since 2018 and will be making his next title defense. This puts him two wins away from tying Anderson Silva for the longest winning streak in UFC history.