Merab Dvalishvili UFC champion cardio has become a defining feature of his identity as a fighter, fueling his rise in the UFC bantamweight division. As he prepares to defend his title for the third time this year, the Georgian athlete opened up about the challenging early days of training with moms and kids, a testament to his relentless work ethic and determination.
Early Struggles Shaped Dvalishvili’s Path to UFC Stardom
Dvalishvili, now celebrated for his vigorous fighting style, faced considerable obstacles during his formative years in MMA. After relocating from Georgia to the United States seeking better opportunities, he struggled to find a gym equipped with proper facilities or dedicated training partners. This scarcity forced him to train alone or alongside non-competitive groups, often feeling isolated and frustrated.
He revealed his experience in a recent interview:
“There is couple punching bags, there is no training partners. 11 am, no one’s trying, it’s just us. At 6 pm a bunch of ladies, doing cardio. I training with not even amateurs, like ladies, moms and kids, and I’m like depressed.”
—Merab Dvalishvili via Geeking Out with Matt Serra
In addition to limited training resources, Dvalishvili worked construction jobs to support himself while maintaining rigorous training schedules. Even after making it to the UFC, he continued to juggle various odd jobs to cover gym fees, rent, and living expenses, illustrating his unwavering commitment to his craft.
His early training environment was far from ideal, as he once described in another quote:
“There were a couple of punching bags and no training partners. I was training with moms, ladies, and kids. I was depressed.”
—Merab Dvalishvili (via Matt Serra)
Unmatched Cardio Powers Dvalishvili’s Dominance in the Octagon
Dvalishvili has earned a reputation as one of the UFC’s most relentless cardio machines, sustaining a punishing pace from start to finish in every fight. His stamina allows him to overwhelm even the most skilled opponents without signs of fatigue. Notable battles against legends such as Jose Aldo and Petr Yan highlighted this trait, confusing and breaking down elite fighters mentally and physically.
Expert commentary has supported the awe around his conditioning. Joe Rogan cited claims comparing Dvalishvili’s cardio to that of fighters suspected of using performance-enhancing substances like EPO, underscoring how extraordinary his endurance appears.
The current middleweight champion, Dricus Du Plessis, admired Dvalishvili’s ability firsthand, saying:
“That guy’s cardio needs to be studied. It is incredible to see. Motivating, in fact. I would like to think my cardio is one of best in the game and Merab, when I watched that fight, it seemed unreal. It’s really admirable to see someone being able to push that hard for that long.”
—Dricus Du Plessis via Aaron Bronsteter
Unyielding Training Habits and Unique Preparation Methods
Dvalishvili is known for his relentless commitment, often training under unexpected conditions. The day after winning the bantamweight title, Daniel Cormier spotted him still running, unwilling to compromise his routine. His training methods sometimes include extreme and unconventional tactics, such as diving face-first into frozen lakes or performing pull-ups from precarious cliff edges.
Despite injuries and setbacks over his career, Dvalishvili consistently arrives at fights in peak condition, demonstrating an intense mental and physical resilience that few others possess in the division.
Upcoming Title Defense and Impact on UFC Bantamweight Division
The Georgian champion is set to defend his bantamweight title against formidable contender Cory Sandhagen at UFC 320. Dvalishvili enters the bout as the clear favorite, known for dismantling striking-heavy opponents with his pressure and endurance. However, Sandhagen poses a serious threat with the potential to end Dvalishvili’s winning streak and capture the championship.
This upcoming fight is expected to be a significant event, as it may redefine the division’s hierarchy and further cement Dvalishvili’s legacy or mark the rise of a new champion.
From Immigrant to Role Model: Dvalishvili’s Journey of Sacrifice and Inspiration
Beyond his achievements inside the octagon, Dvalishvili’s story resonates deeply with immigrants and aspiring athletes worldwide. After years of hardship and sacrifice, he proudly earned United States citizenship, marking a pinnacle moment emotionally charged with gratitude. He credits his perseverance and dedication for his success, serving as a symbol of hope for those facing similar struggles.
Maintaining strong friendships with other top fighters like Aljamain Sterling and earning respect across the UFC landscape, Dvalishvili has become a respected figure both for his fighting ability and his inspiring personal story.