Merab Dvalishvili has emerged as the most active UFC champion in 2024, defending his bantamweight title twice already this year against Umar Nurmagomedov and Sean O’Malley. He is scheduled to face Cory Sandhagen next, with many fans and analysts seeing a victory there as a strong boost for his position as a top contender for the Fighter of the Year award in 2025. However, Chael Sonnen cautions that Dvalishvili faces significant competition from other rising stars in the sport, such as Ilia Topuria, Khamzat Chimaev, and Alex Pereira.
During an appearance on The Bohnfire podcast hosted by Mike Bohn from MMA Junkie, Sonnen expressed skepticism about Dvalishvili’s chances of securing the award outright.
“Fighter of the Year is going to be very tough; it’s very tough. Merab has done a very good job, but to get in front of Ilia [Topuria]? There’s a buzz around Ilia that’s almost unlike anything I ever felt. [Khamzat] Chimaev is going to be of interest. Should Alex Pereira come back and get it over [Magomed] Ankalaev. No, Merab doesn’t have it locked up. A lot of that list comes down to popularity, which Merab has now.” —Chael Sonnen, MMA Analyst
Sonnen acknowledges Dvalishvili’s strong popularity but also highlights that this factor alone will not guarantee Fighter of the Year honors, pointing to the intense competition and the importance of public sentiment in the selection process.
Dvalishvili’s Rising Star Power and Fan Engagement
Beyond his in-cage achievements, Merab Dvalishvili’s approachable personality has helped him build a solid fan base. Sonnen credits this likability as a key driver in Dvalishvili becoming one of the more popular fighters currently active in the UFC. He shared his firsthand experience from International Fight Week, where Dvalishvili drew considerable attention from fans.
“That dude is a star. I was at International Fight Week. The mobs and the crowd, they mobbed everyone through there. Dana [White] himself got more, but for active fighters, the crowd and the interest, Merab could not move around. He is over. He is very popular, and people are going to vote for him. But no, activity alone, no, it will not get you Fighter of the Year.” —Chael Sonnen, MMA Analyst
This level of fan enthusiasm demonstrates Dvalishvili’s rising stature in mixed martial arts, yet Sonnen emphasizes that being active and popular does not automatically translate to receiving the Fighter of the Year award.
Potential for Growth as a Major MMA Personality
Chael Sonnen also envisions Dvalishvili expanding his appeal beyond fighting, potentially becoming one of the sport’s biggest pay-per-view draws. He suggested that additional exposure, such as appearing as a coach on ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ reality show, could introduce Dvalishvili to a wider audience and showcase his genuine personality, which Sonnen described as surprisingly authentic for someone in the public eye.
“If people simply get to know him, if he finds a way to get his message out, he comes across what he is, which is very nice, but he’s so nice that people think it’s an act. But it’s not. So if he does a little bit more time, I would love to see Merab coach ‘The Ultimate Fighter.’… I think that kind of exposure, where people got him in the living room every day, I think Merab has the potential to be the top draw in the sport. That’s a big claim for a 135-pounder. But O’Malley had it. It can definitely be done.” —Chael Sonnen, MMA Analyst
Dvalishvili’s next title defense against Cory Sandhagen will take place on October 4 at UFC 320 in the T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas. This bout is expected to provide a clearer picture of his trajectory in the sport and his chances in the Fighter of the Year conversation for 2025.