Merab Dvalishvili – Career Stats, Next Fight and UFC Ranking

Merab Dvalishvili, the Georgian mixed martial artist known as “The Machine,” has built a reputation as one of the most relentless wrestlers in the UFC bantamweight division. With a professional record of 21 wins and 5 losses, he has climbed to the top of the rankings through a suffocating grappling style and remarkable cardio. This article provides a comprehensive look at his career stats, next fight, ranking, and background.

Dvalishvili trains at the Serra-Longo Fight Team alongside former champions and has become a fixture in the bantamweight title picture. His recent loss to Petr Yan at UFC 323 in December 2025 marked a rare setback in an otherwise dominant run. As of early 2026, he remains among the highest-ranked fighters in the division.

The following sections break down the key facts, recent results, and what fans can expect next from the Georgian contender.

Merab Dvalishvili’s MMA Record and Career Stats

Key Insights

• Dvalishvili holds a 10-fight win streak that was snapped by Petr Yan in December 2025.
• His wrestling-based pressure style has produced a UFC-record 119 takedowns across his career.
• He trains at Serra-Longo Fight Team alongside top bantamweights like Aljamain Sterling.
• Of his 21 wins, only 3 have come by KO/TKO and 2 by submission; the rest are decisions.
• He has not lost by knockout or submission in his entire UFC tenure.
• His most notable wins include José Aldo, Petr Yan (first meeting), Henry Cejudo, and Marlon Moraes.

Snapshot Facts

Merab Dvalishvili’s Next Fight and Upcoming Opponents

According to the most explicit listing available, Dvalishvili is scheduled to face Petr Yan again at UFC 333 on October 24, 2026. The event is headlined by Volkanovski vs Evloev, according to a combat-edge source. However, official confirmation from the UFC has not been widely published as of the latest searches.

Who Is Merab Dvalishvili Fighting Next?

One source lists a rematch with Petr Yan at UFC 333. This is the only direct next-fight information found in the available records. Another source from 2025 previewed Dvalishvili’s ambition to set a record at UFC 323, but that event has already taken place.

When Is the Next Fight?

The most specific date is October 24, 2026, at UFC 333. No other dates or opponents appear in the search results. The event name and opponent are based on a single source that may not have been updated recently.

Merab Dvalishvili vs Petr Yan: Fight Breakdown and Result

Dvalishvili and Yan have fought twice. The first meeting was at UFC 323 on December 6, 2025, where Petr Yan won by unanimous decision. The second bout is scheduled for October 2026.

Result of the First Fight

At UFC 323, Yan defeated Dvalishvili by unanimous decision. According to UFC Stats, Dvalishvili landed 134 strikes to Yan’s 139, and completed 2 takedowns against Yan’s 5. The loss ended Dvalishvili’s 10-fight winning streak.

Fight Statistics

• Total strikes landed: Dvalishvili 134, Yan 139
• Takedowns: Dvalishvili 2 of 12 (17%), Yan 5 of 10 (50%)
• Method: Unanimous decision

Merab Dvalishvili’s UFC Ranking and Title Prospects

Dvalishvili has been ranked among the top bantamweights for several years. A FightMatrix snapshot lists him as #2 in the division and #9 pound-for-pound. During 2025, he was described as the bantamweight champion in some UFC-related articles, but the supplied results do not provide a current official 2026 ranking table.

Is Merab Dvalishvili the Champion?

He was the bantamweight champion for a period in 2025, according to multiple sources. However, after the loss to Yan, the title picture changed. The current champion is not clearly stated in the available data. The safest supported statement is that he was ranked #2 in FightMatrix at the time of that snapshot.

Title Prospects

Dvalishvili remains a top contender. A rematch with Yan could determine the next title challenger. The division includes champions like Sean O’Malley, who is scheduled for a rematch, so Dvalishvili’s path to another title shot depends on the outcome of his next fight.

When Did Merab Dvalishvili Fight Last? A Career Timeline

1. 2014 – Professional MMA debut.
2. 2017 – Joins the UFC.
3. 2018 – Loss to Ricky Simon (last loss before the 10-fight streak).
4. 2019-2020 – Wins over Casey Kenney and Gustavo Lopez.
5. 2021 – Wins over Cody Stamann and Marlon Moraes.
6. 2022 – Win over José Aldo.
7. 2023 – Win over Petr Yan (first meeting).
8. 2024 – Win over Henry Cejudo (title eliminator).
9. December 6, 2025 – Loss to Petr Yan at UFC 323.
10. October 24, 2026 (scheduled) – Rematch vs Petr Yan at UFC 333.

Sources: Wikipedia, UFC Stats

What Is Confirmed and What Remains Uncertain About Merab Dvalishvili?

What Is the Background of Merab Dvalishvili’s Fighting Career?

Dvalishvili was born in Georgia and competes under the Georgian flag. He is known for his incredible cardio and takedown-heavy style, which has earned him the nickname “The Machine.” His career is built on high-volume grappling; he holds a UFC record of 119 takedowns overall.

He trains at the Serra-Longo Fight Team in New York alongside Aljamain Sterling and other top fighters. His fighting style is a mix of freestyle wrestling and striking, though his wrestling is his primary weapon. The lack of knockout power has been a criticism, but his ability to control fights through volume wrestling has led to numerous decision wins over elite opponents.

Dvalishvili’s rise to the top of the bantamweight division is notable for his relentless pressure. He has defeated former champions like José Aldo, Henry Cejudo, and Petr Yan (first fight). His loss to Yan in 2025 was a rare setback, but he remains a top contender.

Where Can Fans Find Verified Information About Merab Dvalishvili?

For the most accurate and up-to-date statistics, the official UFC athlete page and UFC Stats are the best primary sources. Wikipedia provides a comprehensive biography with citations. ESPN and Tapology offer additional data and fight history. For personal updates, Dvalishvili’s Instagram account is active.

“I’m the toughest guy in the division.” – Merab Dvalishvili, post-fight interview after his win over Petr Yan in 2023.

Source: ESPN MMA Profile

Additional sources used in this article: Tapology, Instagram.

Merab Dvalishvili’s Career at a Glance

Merab Dvalishvili is a Georgian UFC bantamweight with a 21-5-0 record, known for his relentless wrestling and cardio. He has been ranked as high as #2 in the division and held the title briefly in 2025. His most recent fight was a loss to Petr Yan, and a rematch is scheduled for October 2026. For more athlete profiles, read about Jannik Sinner – Biography, Age, Height, Ranking, Titles & Net Worth or Aryna Sabalenka – Ranking, Grand Slam Titles and Career Facts.

Frequently Asked Questions About Merab Dvalishvili