Merab Dvalishvili has made a strong case as one of the UFC’s best fighters, demonstrating remarkable stamina and relentless pressure inside the octagon. His extraordinary fitness and endurance have caught the attention of UFC analysts and fans worldwide, especially in light of his recent performances. Joe Rogan recently praised Dvalishvili’s cardio on his JRE Podcast, emphasizing that his stamina surpasses even athletes who use performance-enhancing drugs like EPO.
During the podcast, Rogan highlighted a conversation with an expert who noted,
“He’s like guys that I have known that have been on EPO don’t have that cardio. This is crazy cardio. This is like something freakish. He thinks that some of this is genetic but Merab says it’s not. Merab says, ‘No, I used to get tired.’ He’s a freak.”
—Joe Rogan via JRE
Dominant Performances Bolster Merab Dvalishvili’s Reputation
Dvalishvili’s unparalleled energy is a significant factor in his victories, as he consistently overwhelms opponents through nonstop pace and physical dominance. In his bout against Petr Yan, Dvalishvili attempted 49 takedowns, maintaining unwavering pressure throughout all rounds to secure control. His fight against Jose Aldo saw him exploit his stamina to neutralize Aldo’s offense, controlling the fight against the cage.
At UFC 298, Dvalishvili demonstrated his physical superiority by outwrestling Olympic Gold medalist Henry Cejudo, further solidifying his status among the elite bantamweight fighters. Known for his ability to mentally and physically fatigue opponents, he has displayed this strategy repeatedly, including in his two fights with Sean O’Malley, both of which ended in his favor thanks to his relentless work rate and conditioning.
His unique approach includes unconventional training methods such as plunging into freezing lakes and performing pull-ups from cliffs. These extreme routines contribute to his exceptional fitness but occasionally cause minor injuries close to fight dates, eliciting concern from his camp.
Potential Rivalries and Future UFC Matchups
Dvalishvili recently extended his win streak to 13 with a decisive submission victory over Sean O’Malley at UFC 316, joining an elite company of UFC greats like Georges St-Pierre, Jon Jones, and Khabib Nurmagomedov. This achievement elevated him to the #2 spot in the UFC pound-for-pound rankings, surpassing fellow Georgian contender Ilia Topuria.
Despite his ascendancy, no clear challenger has yet emerged to dethrone Dvalishvili in the bantamweight division. However, UFC veteran TJ Dillashaw suggested a promising fight opportunity, naming a potential opponent who could provide a high-profile bout. Dillashaw remarked,
“I want to see Merab and Sterling fight. They could make so much money. I understand (that they’re best friends) but you’re getting paid… (Sterling) should come back down… You’re here to get paid, I don’t know, I think it’d be an awesome story.”
—TJ Dillashaw via Jaxxon Podcast
Merab Dvalishvili and Aljamain Sterling share a strong friendship, having trained together at the Serra-Longo Fight Team in New York. Their daily training sessions and mutual support have helped both reach the pinnacle of the bantamweight division. Despite Sterling becoming champion, Dvalishvili has chosen not to compete against his friend, valuing their brotherhood above championship gold.
Sterling currently prioritizes settling his personal rivalry with Sean O’Malley, focusing on their upcoming encounters rather than pursuing a bout with Dvalishvili. This ongoing dynamic leaves fans curious about when or if a contest between Dvalishvili and Sterling might occur.
Merab Dvalishvili’s Unique Fighting Style and Training
Merab Dvalishvili’s approach revolves around relentless pressure, causing opponents significant physical and mental strain. Unlike many fighters who rely heavily on striking, Dvalishvili’s foundation is his combat sambo background, allowing him to blend wrestling and submission techniques seamlessly. This style has drawn comparisons to other sambo champions like Khabib Nurmagomedov, especially in his capacity to maintain control and dictate the fight’s tempo.
His intense training regimen is almost as remarkable as his performances, with methods that test his boundaries and prepare him to outlast even the most seasoned competitors. These include training in extreme environments, which builds resilience and contributes to his seemingly endless stamina inside the cage.
The Growing Legacy of an UFC Star in the Making
Merab Dvalishvili’s explosive rise within the UFC bantamweight division showcases his extraordinary cardio and dominance, making him a formidable force who challenges conventional limits of endurance. His consistency and tactical approach have elevated him into the conversation alongside some of MMA’s all-time greats.
As he continues his winning streak and pursues title defenses, observers eagerly anticipate how his career will unfold and which contender will finally match his intensity. The combination of his relentless style, unorthodox training, and close ties with top fighters like Sterling make Dvalishvili’s journey one of the most compelling narratives in mixed martial arts today.