BREAKING: UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili defied convention by sparring for a full five rounds just hours before his title defense against Cory Sandhagen at UFC 320. This extraordinary display of determination took place last Saturday in Las Vegas, approximately nine hours before Dvalishvili’s fight at the T-Mobile Arena.
In a dominant performance, Dvalishvili (21-4) secured a decisive victory over Sandhagen (18-5) via decision. This fight marked a significant milestone as he recorded a staggering 20 takedowns, raising his career total to 117—the most in UFC history.
During his appearance on the Jaxxon Podcast, UFC light heavyweight Khalil Rountree Jr., a teammate at Syndicate MMA, revealed that Dvalishvili engaged in his intense training regimen just hours before stepping into the octagon. “Merab has done this ever since I started training him [in 2020]. Every fight day, he goes in and spars for five rounds,” Rountree stated.
John Wood, head coach at Syndicate MMA, confirmed Rountree’s claims, stating, “This isn’t new… I had to stop him from going six rounds.” Wood described the sparring sessions as hard and technical, conducted at about 70% intensity. Despite the unorthodox training approach, he emphasized, “The way Merab does it, he’s a savage.”
Adding to the intensity, Dvalishvili typically engages in another three to five rounds of warm-up sparring with his longtime teammate and former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling right before the fight. Wood noted, “It’s quite interesting… Merab is just beating him up back there.”
This unique preparation method showcases Dvalishvili’s relentless cardio and determination, setting him apart in the UFC landscape. Following his triumphant title defense, he has already requested the UFC to schedule his next fight in December, aiming to continue his reign as champion.
Dvalishvili’s extraordinary work ethic has garnered attention, making him a fighter to watch. His ability to perform at such a high level after such physical exertion is both impressive and alarming to fans and analysts alike.
As the MMA community buzzes with excitement over Dvalishvili’s latest triumph, all eyes will be on the UFC as they prepare for his next title defense. With a fighting spirit and unyielding approach, Merab Dvalishvili is not just defending a title; he is redefining what it means to be a champion in the UFC.
