Merab's coach doesn't guarantee an immediate rematch for the former champion: 'The UFC has its favorites'

Merab's coach does not guarantee an immediate rematch for the former champion. Photo: Reproduction/UFC/YouTube

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Merab Dvalishvili may not get his rematch immediately. John Wood, Merab's coach, commented in an interview last Sunday (7) about this possibility. Wood believes that the Georgian-American deserves another chance at the bantamweight belt (up to 61,2 kg), but has his doubts that the fighter will have priority in line.

In an interview with Submission Radio, John Wood, coach of Merab Dvalishvili and Syndicate MMA, said he wasn't sure if the 34-year-old Georgian-American would get an immediate rematch for the title.

“The UFC has its favorites. The UFC has people they want to promote and that they love. And Sean O'Malley is one of those guys. Sean O'Malley is always one win away from a title shot, no matter how low he is in the rankings. He could be unranked, go in there, knock someone out and get a title shot. And that's great for him. He's promoted himself well, he's a great fighter… Do I think there's a way we don't have an immediate rematch? Sure. Do I think we should have one? Yes. Do I think we will have one? Most likely. But who knows,” said John Wood, coach of Syndicate MMA, on Submission Radio.

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Merab Dvalishvili's MMA numbers

Merab Dvalishvili has a professional record of 21 wins and five losses in MMA. The 34-year-old Georgian-American fought in organizations such as Ring of Combat, Cage Fury FC, and CES MMA before joining the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Throughout his career, Merab Dvalishvili won the bantamweight title in both Ring of Combat and UFC. In ROC, Dvalishvili became champion by defeating Sukhrob Aydarbekov via submission in the second round of event number 58, in February 2017. Merab defended his title only once before signing with Dana White's company.

Merab Dvalishvili debuted in the UFC losing to Frankie Saenz via split decision at UFC Fight Night 123 in December 2017. Merab also lost his second fight, against Ricky Simón via technical submission in the third round of UFC Fight Night 128 in April 2018.

From then on, Merab Dvalishvili racked up 14 consecutive victories. Within this rise, the Georgian-American won the bantamweight title against Sean O'Malley via unanimous decision at UFC 306 in September 2024. Merab defended his title three times, losing to Petr Yan via unanimous decision at UFC 323 in December 2025 in Las Vegas (USA).

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