https://www.marca.com/en/person/merab-dvalishvili.html en Sun, 25 Jan 2026 11:22:38 +0100 Tue, 28 Apr 2026 16:10:12 +0200 60 https://www.marca.com/en/ufc/2026/01/25/6975ebd6ca474165688b45bc.html https://www.marca.com/en/ufc/2026/01/25/6975ebd6ca474165688b45bc.html Sun, 25 Jan 2026 11:22:38 +0100 For the first time in UFC history, a fighter was crowned interim champion for the second time in his career. Justin Gaethje (27-5) was crowned lightweight champion at the age of 37 and halted the rise of Paddy Pimblett (23-4) after a five-round battle at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The Liverpool native incredibly survived 'The Highlight's' punches at UFC 324 and lost the opportunity, often asked for by him, to fight Ilia Topuria (17-0).

]]> https://www.marca.com/en/ufc/2025/12/12/693c43e222601d59428b45c0.html https://www.marca.com/en/ufc/2025/12/12/693c43e222601d59428b45c0.html Fri, 12 Dec 2025 17:36:01 +0100 Merab Dvalishvili has spoken out via a statement on social media after his tough defeat in the main event of UFC 323. 'The Machine' was the heavy favourite for his rematch against Petr Yan, and was on course to become the first champion in UFC history to make four defences in a calendar year. His 2025 has been historic, but he could not put the icing on the cake after succumbing to the Russian fighter by a clear unanimous decision. Visibly affected, the Georgian fighter has promised to come back stronger in 2026 to regain what he considers his own.

]]> https://www.marca.com/en/ufc/2025/12/09/6938512122601dc9198b45c7.html https://www.marca.com/en/ufc/2025/12/09/6938512122601dc9198b45c7.html Tue, 09 Dec 2025 18:10:08 +0100 Tom Aspinall feels pure admiration for Ilia Topuria and everything he is achieving in the UFC. Whenever he can, the English fighter lavishes praise on 'El Matador', and on this occasion he has stated on social media that for him Topuria is the best fighter of 2025. This year, Ilia made history by becoming the first undefeated double champion in the company, which seems to have been sufficient for Aspinall to decide to put him at the top of this list.

]]> https://www.marca.com/en/ufc/2025/12/07/6935e175e2704e5d688b45b4.html https://www.marca.com/en/ufc/2025/12/07/6935e175e2704e5d688b45b4.html Sun, 07 Dec 2025 21:28:11 +0100 The UFC was a card of surprises, especially in the two title fights. The first of these was the serious injury in the first round - dislocated shoulder - of Alexandre Pantoja (30-6) in his fifth defense of the flyweight belt against Joshua Van (16-2), which made the Burmese fighter the second youngest champion in history. The second was Petr Yan's (20-5) drubbing of Merab Dvalishvili (21-5) in the main event to end his historic reign at bantamweight. After the fight, Ilia Topuria - a friend and compatriot of the Georgian - shared an emotional message of support on social media towards 'The Machine', who was visibly hurt after the defeat.

]]> https://www.marca.com/en/ufc/2025/12/06/69349c3346163f097b8b45aa.html https://www.marca.com/en/ufc/2025/12/06/69349c3346163f097b8b45aa.html Sat, 06 Dec 2025 22:17:59 +0100 The UFC closes the year with a spectacular card and, among all the fights, one is particularly attention-grabbing in Mexico: the return of Brandon Moreno to the octagon. The Tijuana native and former flyweight champion returns in a fight that could put him back on track for the belt. At UFC 323, Brandon Moreno will face Tatsuro Taira, a Japanese fighter who is one of the most dangerous prospects in the division.

]]> https://www.marca.com/en/lifestyle/celebrity-net-worth/2025/12/06/6934867246163f74738b45d0.html https://www.marca.com/en/lifestyle/celebrity-net-worth/2025/12/06/6934867246163f74738b45d0.html Sat, 06 Dec 2025 20:39:38 +0100 At 34 years old, Merab Dvalishvili has solidified his position as a dominant force in the UFC's bantamweight division. With an impressive 12-fight winning streak, "The Machine" clinched the bantamweight title at UFC 306 by defeating Sean O'Malley. His journey from humble beginnings to championship glory has not only elevated his status in the MMA world but also significantly boosted his financial standing.

]]> https://www.marca.com/en/ufc/2025/10/26/68fdf5b546163fe26b8b4582.html https://www.marca.com/en/ufc/2025/10/26/68fdf5b546163fe26b8b4582.html Sun, 26 Oct 2025 11:40:47 +0100 UFC 321 more than lived up to what was expected of a numbered card with two belts on the line and great fights, right up to the last moment. The event, held in Abu Dhabi, ended in the worst possible way in the heavyweight title fight between Tom Aspinall (15-3, 1 NC) and Ciryl Gane (13-2, 1 NC). An eye poke from the Frenchman caused an eye injury from which the Englishman could not recover, resulting in a 'no contest'.

]]> https://www.marca.com/en/ufc/2025/10/24/68fb506b268e3ef4278b4573.html https://www.marca.com/en/ufc/2025/10/24/68fb506b268e3ef4278b4573.html Fri, 24 Oct 2025 12:20:52 +0200 After his first professional loss at UFC 311 to Merab Dvalishvili, Dagestani fighter Umar Nurmagomedov is looking for redemption at UFC 321, where he will face Mario Bautista

]]> https://www.marca.com/en/ufc/2025/10/23/68fa5f6ae2704ebd018b459b.html https://www.marca.com/en/ufc/2025/10/23/68fa5f6ae2704ebd018b459b.html Thu, 23 Oct 2025 19:08:00 +0200 Umar Nurmagomedov (18-1) has the chance to redeem himself this Saturday. Last January, at UFC 311, the company granted him the title shot against Merab Dvalishvili to become bantamweight champion, but 'The Machine' defeated him by unanimous decision, giving him a reality check and handing him his first professional defeat. Nine months later, the cousin of Khabib Nurmagomedov will return to the octagon to face Mario Bautista (16-2) at UFC 321, in a fight that could serve him to get back to close to the belt.

]]> https://www.marca.com/en/ufc/2025/10/04/68e1264322601db7748b45cc.html https://www.marca.com/en/ufc/2025/10/04/68e1264322601db7748b45cc.html Sat, 04 Oct 2025 16:03:21 +0200 Merab Dvalishvili (20-4) is regarded by many as the greatest bantamweight in UFC history. With a 13-fight winning streak, the Georgian fighter has defeated five former champions and defended his belt twice, all in 2025. This Saturday, in the co-main event of UFC 320, he will attempt his third defense against Cory Sandhagen (18-5), and he intends to reappear before the end of the year to defend it once more against Petr Yan.

]]> https://www.marca.com/en/ufc/2025/10/03/68dfdf3322601def5a8b456c.html https://www.marca.com/en/ufc/2025/10/03/68dfdf3322601def5a8b456c.html Fri, 03 Oct 2025 16:44:04 +0200 The highly anticipated showdown between Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira will take place on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. This fight represents a direct rematch following the Russian's victory at UFC 313, where he was crowned light heavyweight champion after a close unanimous decision

]]> https://www.marca.com/en/ufc/2025/10/02/68de559646163f851c8b45b0.html https://www.marca.com/en/ufc/2025/10/02/68de559646163f851c8b45b0.html Thu, 02 Oct 2025 12:42:42 +0200 The UFC returns to the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas with the numbered event UFC 320, headlined by the rematch between Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira for the light heavyweight title

]]> https://www.marca.com/en/more-sports/2025/07/15/68765e9c268e3e303b8b45e5.html https://www.marca.com/en/more-sports/2025/07/15/68765e9c268e3e303b8b45e5.html Tue, 15 Jul 2025 16:06:51 +0200 The ESPY Awards are the Oscars of sport. Same city, same place, same luxuries, but the nominees are elite athletes instead of actors, actresses, make-up artists and directors. It is the gala of sport

]]> https://www.marca.com/en/ufc/2025/07/01/6863f4cd22601d81468b457d.html https://www.marca.com/en/ufc/2025/07/01/6863f4cd22601d81468b457d.html Tue, 01 Jul 2025 16:54:33 +0200 On Sunday, June 29, the UFC presented a new explosive feature where Ilia Topuria's great step was confirmed by beating Merab Dvalishvili, two European champions in the main league of mixed martial arts in the world. Both share Georgian roots and a mutual respect that transcends the cage.

]]> https://www.marca.com/en/ufc/2025/06/08/6845ad6eca474167028b45d1.html https://www.marca.com/en/ufc/2025/06/08/6845ad6eca474167028b45d1.html Sun, 08 Jun 2025 17:49:07 +0200 UFC 316 had a clear main protagonist: Merab Dvalishvili (20-4). 'The Machine' submitted Sean O'Malley (18-3) in the third round of the main event to retain the bantamweight title and extend his winning streak in the company to 13.

]]> https://www.marca.com/en/ufc/2025/06/08/68456b14268e3ead598b45a2.html https://www.marca.com/en/ufc/2025/06/08/68456b14268e3ead598b45a2.html Sun, 08 Jun 2025 13:05:02 +0200 Donald Trump appeared and was given a standing ovation by the crowd just before the start of theUFC event at the Prudential Centeron Saturday night.

]]> https://www.marca.com/en/ufc/2025/06/08/68455954268e3e1c568b4585.html https://www.marca.com/en/ufc/2025/06/08/68455954268e3e1c568b4585.html Sun, 08 Jun 2025 11:43:29 +0200 Merab Dvalishvili (20-4) is not called 'The Machine' for nothing. He submitted Sean O'Malley (18-3), ended the American's rematch and successfully defended the UFC bantamweight title for the second time.

]]> https://www.marca.com/en/ufc/2025/06/07/6844927f22601dd46e8b45f2.html https://www.marca.com/en/ufc/2025/06/07/6844927f22601dd46e8b45f2.html Sat, 07 Jun 2025 21:46:21 +0200 The highly anticipated bantamweight title clash at UFC 292 will take place this Saturday, June 7, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, pitting champion Merab Dvalishvili against former champion Sean O'Malley in a highly anticipated rematch.

]]> https://www.marca.com/en/ufc/2025/06/07/68440c6f22601dd46e8b45cf.html https://www.marca.com/en/ufc/2025/06/07/68440c6f22601dd46e8b45cf.html Sat, 07 Jun 2025 11:59:29 +0200 The Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, will witness a spectacular event today June 7, with UFC 316, where the big fight of the day will be Merab Dvalishvili vs Sean O'Malley.

]]> https://www.marca.com/en/ufc/2025/06/06/68430eca22601d81518b45d9.html https://www.marca.com/en/ufc/2025/06/06/68430eca22601d81518b45d9.html Fri, 06 Jun 2025 17:57:00 +0200 Since he defeated Sean O'Malley (18-2) at UFC 306, Merab Dvalishvili (19-4) has become one of the most charismatic champions in the company. The bantamweight monarch has won the hearts of fans with a frenetic fighting style and an overwhelming personality that draws attention wherever he goes. Despite the physical problems he has had in his last fights, his trainer John Wood has downplayed the tension and assured that the Georgian fighter will be ready to defend his belt this Saturday against O'Malley at UFC 316.

]]> https://www.marca.com/en/ufc/2025/06/05/68419a3c46163ffd918b45a9.html https://www.marca.com/en/ufc/2025/06/05/68419a3c46163ffd918b45a9.html Thu, 05 Jun 2025 15:46:46 +0200 Sean O'Malley (18-2), the UFC's polyamorous star, has confessed to a radical change in his sexual and lifestyle habits in an attempt to get revenge on Merab Dvalishvili (19-4) at UFC 316.

]]> https://www.marca.com/en/ufc/2025/06/05/6841727422601d5e618b45a6.html https://www.marca.com/en/ufc/2025/06/05/6841727422601d5e618b45a6.html Thu, 05 Jun 2025 12:46:17 +0200 On Saturday, June 7, 2025, the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, will be the epicenter of mixed martial arts with the celebration of UFC 316. This event features a lineup full of exciting fights, highlighting two title fights that promise unique matchups for fans.

]]> https://www.marca.com/en/ufc/2025/06/04/683ff697268e3ede618b4592.html https://www.marca.com/en/ufc/2025/06/04/683ff697268e3ede618b4592.html Wed, 04 Jun 2025 09:39:22 +0200 The highly anticipated rematch between Sean O'Malley 18-2-0 (1 NC) and Merab Dvalishvili 19-4-0, for the bantamweight title will take place this Saturday, June 7 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, with this matchup being the main event of UFC 316.

]]> https://www.marca.com/en/ufc/2025/06/03/683ec6fb22601d945a8b45bc.html https://www.marca.com/en/ufc/2025/06/03/683ec6fb22601d945a8b45bc.html Tue, 03 Jun 2025 12:15:38 +0200 Merab Dvalishvili has earned the respect of fans and pundits alike thanks to his intensity inside the octagon and his unwavering discipline. While his sporting career is on the rise with an upcoming title defense at UFC 311 against Umar Nurmagomedov, his personal life remains a mystery to many, especially when it comes to his relationship status.

]]> https://www.marca.com/en/ufc/2025/04/11/67f962b0e2704e89bf8b4599.html https://www.marca.com/en/ufc/2025/04/11/67f962b0e2704e89bf8b4599.html Fri, 11 Apr 2025 20:50:07 +0200 While waiting to find out who Ilia Topuria's (16-0) next opponent will be, when and where... 'The Legend' continues to aim high: he wants the lightweight title in his first shot, claims the UFC has promised him and continues to challenge the absolute king of the 155-pound division: Islam Makhachev (27-1).

]]> https://www.marca.com/en/ufc/2025/04/03/67eeafb346163f8eaa8b4591.html https://www.marca.com/en/ufc/2025/04/03/67eeafb346163f8eaa8b4591.html Thu, 03 Apr 2025 18:05:10 +0200 On June 7 in Newark, New Jersey, Sean O'Malley (18-2) will have the chance to become UFC champion again. The former bantamweight champion, and one of the UFC's biggest stars, lost that throne in September 2024 to Merab Dvalishvili (19-4). The Georgian and friend of Topuria dethroned the American in a brutal demonstration of superiority. But now, at least that's what 'Suga' says, there is a 'new O'Malley'.

]]> https://www.marca.com/en/ufc/2025/04/02/67ed411946163f0a4c8b459a.html https://www.marca.com/en/ufc/2025/04/02/67ed411946163f0a4c8b459a.html Wed, 02 Apr 2025 16:02:33 +0200 Between jokes on the occasion of April Fools' Day, Dana White got serious and dropped three bombshells. As he usually does, the UFC boss took advantage of matchmaking Tuesday to announce the new main event of UFC Kansas on April 26 and the two main fights of UFC 316, the first of two numbered events to be held in June. Carlos Prates (21-6) and Ian Garry (15-1) will be the new protagonists of the Missouri card, while Julianna Pena (13-5) vs Kayla Harrison (18-1) and Merab Dvalishvili (19-4) vs Sean O'Malley (18-2) will be the two title fights for the sixth PPV of the year.

]]> https://www.marca.com/en/ufc/2025/02/18/67b48e75ca474115058b457a.html https://www.marca.com/en/ufc/2025/02/18/67b48e75ca474115058b457a.html Tue, 18 Feb 2025 14:46:25 +0100 The road to a title shot for a UFC contender is littered with obstacles. While a crucial loss can affect a fighter's timeline, these hurdles often come from outside the octagon and exist on the business side of the fight game.

]]> https://www.marca.com/en/ufc/2025/01/22/679027dd46163f94708b45b6.html https://www.marca.com/en/ufc/2025/01/22/679027dd46163f94708b45b6.html Wed, 22 Jan 2025 00:16:29 +0100 Merab Dvalishvili has become a force to be reckoned with in the UFC, displaying relentless energy and unrivaled cardio in his fights. Nicknamed "The Machine", Dvalishvili's pace and elite wrestling have overwhelmed even the toughest opponents. He once again kept his impressive streak going at UFC 311, where he faced Umar Nurmagomedov. However, many experts felt that the champion might struggle against the Dagestani fighter.

]]> https://www.marca.com/en/ufc/2025/01/19/678cd74522601daf248b4571.html https://www.marca.com/en/ufc/2025/01/19/678cd74522601daf248b4571.html Sun, 19 Jan 2025 12:01:55 +0100 Islam Makhachev (27-1) is still the UFC lightweight king and number one pound-for-pound fighter... for now. He comprehensively defeated Renato Moicano (20-6-1) to continue making history and certify his fourth title defense. It closed a night 'tainted' by Tsarukyan's injury but left a great main card with four finishes in five fights. Ilia Topuria also left several tweets from his home in Madrid.

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