Merab Dvalishvili in an interview in the octagon of UFC 306. Photo: Reproduction/UFC/YouTube
Owner of one of the longest undefeated streaks in UFC history, Merab Dvalishvili surprised everyone by revealing that he intends to extend his career until he's 50. At 34, the Georgian acknowledges that holding the belt for that long is unlikely, but emphasizes his love for the sport as his main motivation.
"My goal is to fight until I'm 50. I hope to still be champion then, but I know it's impossible. I'm 34 now. Being champion for 16 years? That's impossible," the fighter admitted in an interview with the 'Full Send Podcast'.
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The current bantamweight champion (up to 61,2 kg) made his professional MMA debut in 2014. After a shaky start with two losses, he found his best form within the UFC, where he built a solid trajectory by defeating names like José Aldo, Petr yan, Henry Cejudo and former champion Sean O'Malley. The consecration came in September 2024, when he defeated 'Suga' by unanimous decision in the UFC 306, when he won the division belt.
Since then, he has defended the title twice: first against Umar Nurmagomedov, at UFC 311, in a fight where he broke the all-time record for takedowns (91) in the UFC. Then in a rematch against O'Malley, in UFC 316, finishing his rival in the third round with a choke.
He has a fight scheduled in the UFC. The Georgian faces Cory Sandhagen on October 4th, the same event as the rematch between Magomed Ankalayev x Alex Poatán.
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