Merab Dvalishvili is a Georgian-American professional mixed martial artist and the reigning UFC Bantamweight Champion
Known by his nickname “The Machine“, he combines relentless pressure, extraordinary stamina, and a wrestling-heavy style.
This article explores his life, career milestones, personal details, and net worth—all in an easily readable and structured way.
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Table of Contents
Who is Merab Dvalishvili?
Born on January 10, 1991 in the village of Vani near Tbilisi, Georgia, Merab has risen from a construction worker doing menial jobs to one of the UFC’s most dominant fighters.
In late 2024, he captured the UFC Bantamweight title by defeating Sean O’Malley and has since defended it successfully, solidifying his status as one of the division’s top fighters.
Dvalishvili is admired not just for his in-cage performances but also for his no-nonsense work ethic and humble background.
Personal Details
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Merab Dvalishvili |
| Date of Birth | January 10, 1991 (Age: 34) |
| Birthplace | Vani village, Tbilisi, Georgia |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (168 cm) |
| Weight Class | Bantamweight (135 lb / 61 kg) |
| Nickname | The Machine |
| Fighting Style | Orthodox stance, wrestler-based pressure style |
| Training Team | Serra-Longo Fight Team |
| Nationality | Georgian; naturalized American citizen as of March 20241 |
Merab Dvalishvili’s Career Highlights & MMA Record
Merab began his professional MMA career in 2014, competing in regional promotions such as Ring of Combat (ROC) and Cage Fury FC. After success as ROC champion, he was signed by the UFC in late 2017.
UFC Career Milestones
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UFC Debut: December 9, 2017, vs. Frankie Saenz (loss by split decision).
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Bantamweight Title Win: Defeated Sean O’Malley by unanimous decision at UFC 306 in September 2024.
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Title Defenses:
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vs Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 311 — won by unanimous decision in January 2025.
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vs Sean O’Malley rematch at UFC 316 — won by submission (choke) in June 2025.2
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Record Highlights (as of mid-2025)
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Professional Record: Approximately 20 wins, 4 losses.3
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Notable victories over former champions like Henry Cejudo, Petr Yan, José Aldo, and Sean O’Malley.
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UFC commentator Jon Anik even labeled him the greatest bantamweight of all time.
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Stats Table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Fights | ~24 (20-4-0) |
| Wins by Decision | Majority of victories (e.g., vs Aldo, Yan, Cejudo, Nurmagomedov) |
| Wins by Submission | vs. O’Malley (UFC 316) |
| Takedown Records | Most takedowns and takedown attempts in bantamweight UFC history |
| Streaks | 12-fight win streak since early career setbacks |
| Title Defenses | Two successful defenses (Nurmagomedov, O’Malley rematch) |
Personal Journey & Notable Moments
Merab comes from humble beginnings. Before making it big in the UFC, he worked in construction to sustain himself and fund his fighting ambition.
He earned a reputation for being unbreakable. One fan-shared clip showed him refusing to tap out during a guillotine choke in 2018—this moment resonated strongly within MMA circles and even drew praise from Conor McGregor, who called him “magnificent” and “a star”.4
Grateful for this life I am living – will always stay hungry to achieve more 🦾 pic.twitter.com/91zMRbxrUR
— Merab “The Machine” Dvalishvili (@MerabDvalishvil) August 14, 2025
Beyond the cage, Merab donated a 1 million Georgian lari prize awarded by his government for winning the UFC title to help promote grappling in Georgia.
He maintains a close relationship with teammate and former champion Aljamain Sterling, both training partners and friends.
Net Worth of Merab Dvalishvili
Estimating net worth is tricky, but consistent reporting gives us a ballpark figure:
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~$1.5 million as of 2025, based on fight purses, bonuses, and endorsements.5
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Other sources estimate between $1.5 million and $3 million as of 2025.6
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Total Sportal cites $1.8 million.7
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Some reports estimate around $2 million.
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More conservative estimate: $1 million.8
Summary Estimate: His net worth is likely between $1.5 million and $2 million as of mid-2025.
FAQ’s
1. What is Merab Dvalishvili’s age?
He was born January 10, 1991. As of 2025, he is 34 years old.9
2. What is his MMA record?
He has approximately 20 wins and 4 losses.
3. Who has he defeated as UFC champion?
He claimed the title by defeating Sean O’Malley at UFC 306, then defended against Umar Nurmagomedov and beat O’Malley again at UFC 316.10
4. What’s his fighting style?
He is known for tireless pressure, elite wrestling, constant takedowns, and a forward pace that overwhelms opponents.
5. Who is his wife?
As of May 2025, he is not married and has no publicly known relationship. He focuses primarily on his career and defending his title. 11
6. What is his net worth?
Estimated between $1.5 million and $2 million, based on multiple sources.
7. Where is he from?
From Vani, Tbilisi, Georgia. He became a naturalized U.S. citizen in March 2024.12
8. What notable accolades has he achieved?
He is the second-ever Georgian UFC champion. He holds records for takedowns and decision wins in the bantamweight division. Many regard him as one of the best bantamweights ever.13
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Summary
Merab Dvalishvili has charted an inspiring path from construction jobs in Georgia to the pinnacle of MMA—the UFC Bantamweight Championship.
He’s known for his unmatched cardio, wrestling dominance, and unbreakable will. He’s earned praise from peers and fans, and his net worth now stands comfortably in the million-dollar range.
With youth on his side and even more to prove, Merab’s story is far from over.
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