Merab Dvalishvili is a skilled bantamweight fighter in the UFC, renowned for his grappling expertise and impressive professional record of 19 wins and 4 losses. A two-time Ring of Combat champion, he possesses a black belt in judo and sambo, and has a remarkable streak of 12 consecutive victories. Dvalishvili’s strong commitment to his family and teammates plays an essential role in his success. His path and future prospects within the division are worth exploring further.
Early Life
Merab Dvalishvili began his martial arts expedition in 2010, dedicating himself to the disciplines of Judo and Sambo.
His commitment and talent in these sports led him to notable achievements, including becoming a Georgian sambo champion and winning a bronze medal at the European Youth Sambo Championships.
This early success fueled his passion for mixed martial arts (MMA), ultimately prompting him to relocate to the United States to advance his career in the sport.
Family Life
Merab Dvalishvili deeply values his family, attributing much of his success in MMA to their steadfast support. He expresses gratitude towards his parents and siblings for their encouragement throughout his path.
Dvalishvili emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, allowing him to nurture his family life while pursuing his demanding career. He aims to set a positive example for younger generations in his community, highlighting the dedication and resilience required in the sport.
Furthermore, he shares a close bond with his teammates at the Serra-Longo Fight Team, whom he considers an extension of his family, reinforcing the idea that teamwork and friendship are crucial to his success.
Career
Merab Dvalishvili, often referred to as “The Machine,” has made a noteworthy impact in the bantamweight division of MMA since his debut on December 9, 2017.
With an impressive professional record of 19 wins and 4 losses, he has achieved a remarkable streak of 12 consecutive victories.
Dvalishvili is known for his effective grappling skills, evidenced by his black belt in judo and his accomplishments in sambo. He has secured notable unanimous decision victories over top fighters such as Petr Yan and Jose Aldo, further solidifying his reputation as a strong competitor in the octagon.
As a two-time Ring of Combat champion, Dvalishvili continues to display his skill with an impressive striking accuracy of 42% and a takedown defense rate of 82%, highlighting his effectiveness both standing and on the ground.
Net Worth
Merab Dvalishvili’s net worth is estimated at approximately $1 million, primarily derived from his earnings as a professional MMA fighter.
Throughout his career, Dvalishvili has earned a base salary of $100,000 per fight. In his top five fights, he earned the following salaries:
- $100,000 against Marlon Moraes
- $100,000 against Cody Stamann
- $100,000 against Petr Yan
- $100,000 against José Aldo
- $100,000 against Ricky Simon
Furthermore, his total income is supplemented by performance bonuses, sponsorships, and merchandise sales, reflecting his success in the UFC bantamweight division.