Merab Dvalishvili: podcast appearances and interviews

Merab Dvalishvili is a Georgian and American professional mixed martial artist and sambo practitioner who competes in the bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He is recognized as a bantamweight contender and has been regarded as one of the greatest bantamweights of all time. Dvalishvili holds the distinction of being the first Georgian-born champion in UFC history. As of May 12, 2026, he is ranked number one in the Meta UFC bantamweight rankings and is ranked ninth in the UFC men's pound-for-pound rankings as of June 16, 2026. Dvalishvili's UFC career started with two setbacks against Frankie Saenz and Ricky Simón. Following these losses, he embarked on a 14-fight winning streak, which is the fourth-longest in UFC history. During this period, he defeated notable former champions such as José Aldo, Petr Yan, Henry Cejudo, and Sean O'Malley. Known for his grappling skills, he has achieved the most successful takedowns in UFC history with 119 and is second all-time in total strikes landed. His accomplishments and fighting style have contributed to his reputation as a formidable and influential fighter within the bantamweight division.