In 2024, the small nation of Georgia emerged as a major force in mixed martial arts, with two of its fighters capturing UFC titles within months of each other. Merab Dvalishvili UFC Bantamweight Champion and Ilia Topuria both secured championship belts, placing Georgia prominently on the global MMA map. This remarkable achievement is the result of dedication, resilience, and dominant performances that rewrote the narrative for a country with fewer than four million residents.
Merab Dvalishvili’s Journey From Early Setbacks to UFC Bantamweight Champion
Joining the UFC in 2017, Merab Dvalishvili’s career almost ended before it began due to back-to-back losses to Frankie Saenz and Ricky Simon. Despite facing the threat of contract termination, Dvalishvili did not waver. Since his defeat in April 2018, he began an impressive rebound, stringing together five consecutive wins that marked his steady climb through the bantamweight ranks.
Among these victories, his September 2021 win over Marlon Moraes was particularly notable, where “The Machine” secured a second-round TKO. This victory set the stage for a high-profile bout against UFC legend Jose Aldo at UFC 278 in August 2022. Even though Aldo was on a three-fight winning streak and remained dangerous, Dvalishvili controlled the match and ultimately retired Aldo from competitive fighting.
The true test of Dvalishvili’s rising status came in March 2023 when he defeated Petr Yan, one of the top bantamweight contenders. This dominant win earned him the recognition and validation he sought as one of the best fighters in the 135-pound division. Despite having earned a title shot, Dvalishvili chose to wait, as the championship was held by his close friend and training partner, <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/tag/aljamain-sterling/”>Aljamain Sterling.
Instead of challenging Sterling, Dvalishvili set his sights on a showdown with the legendary Henry Cejudo at UFC 298 in February 2024. Despite Cejudo’s reputation, Dvalishvili emerged victorious in a closely contested fight. By then, Sean O’Malley had taken the bantamweight belt from Sterling, opening the way for Dvalishvili to challenge for the championship himself.
Ilia Topuria’s Rapid Rise to UFC Featherweight Champion
Ilia Topuria started his UFC career undefeated, joining the organization in October 2020 with an 8-0 record. His debut was marked by a clear win over Youssef Zalal, followed by rapid first-round finishes in his next three fights, including a lightweight bout against Jai Herbert.
Returning to featherweight with a perfect 12-0 record, Topuria faced Bryce Mitchell at UFC 282 in December 2022. Demonstrating his versatility and skill, he submitted Mitchell in the second round, capturing attention for his ability to dismantle a respected grappler.
One of Topuria’s most impressive performances arrived against Josh Emmett, often cited as one of the hardest hitters in featherweight history. Topuria dominated over five rounds, landing 152 significant strikes and securing a unanimous decision. This victory was pivotal, earning him his first shot at the UFC Featherweight Championship.
Georgia’s Historic Double Championship in 2024
The significance of 2024 for Georgian MMA became undeniable when Topuria ended Alexander Volkanovski’s unprecedented title reign at UFC 298 in February. Volkanovski had held the featherweight title for over 1,500 days, but Topuria knocked him out in the second round in what many described as a stunning upset.
Meanwhile, in September 2024, Merab Dvalishvili claimed the UFC Bantamweight Championship by overpowering Sean O’Malley at UFC 306. Matching the dominance of his training partner, Dvalishvili controlled the fight for the entire 25 minutes to secure the belt, making Georgia a country with two current UFC champions in different weight classes.
Topuria’s first title defense at UFC 308 in October was against the legendary Max Holloway. Not only did Topuria defeat Holloway, but he also became the first fighter in MMA history to knock the former champion out, a feat that further solidified his elite status.
On the bantamweight side, Dvalishvili successfully defended his title at UFC 311 in January 2025, enduring a tough five-round war against Umar Nurmagomedov. His dominance continued with a decisive rematch at UFC 316 in May, where he forced O’Malley to submit, marking the second finish of his UFC career.
In a bold move, Topuria vacated his featherweight championship and moved up to lightweight in February 2025. He is scheduled to face Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 for the vacant UFC Lightweight Championship. This fight offers Topuria the chance to become a two-division champion by defeating a future UFC Hall of Famer, highlighting the ongoing impact of Georgian fighters on the sport.
The Broader Impact of Georgia’s UFC Champions
Georgia’s achievement in producing two UFC champions within a single year is remarkable given its population size of just over 3.7 million. Merab Dvalishvili and Ilia Topuria not only represent a national triumph but also underscore the country’s growing influence in global mixed martial arts. Their success stories—from initial challenges to peak triumphs—reflect resilience and elite skill that inspire fighters and fans alike.
With Topuria aiming for a lightweight title and Dvalishvili already defending the bantamweight crown multiple times, Georgia’s presence in the UFC is set to remain strong. Their careers will continue to attract attention as they face some of the most respected names in MMA, solidifying their legacies and potentially ushering in a new era for Georgian athletics on the world stage.
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Merab Dvalishvili, Sean O’Malley, Kayla Harrison and Julianna Pena all headlined UFC 316. How much did each fighter earn?
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Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira meet at UFC 317, get expert betting analysis, odds breakdown, and predictions.
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