⁩Merab Dvalishvili Recalls Training With Moms and Kids Before Becoming UFC Champion

UFC champion Merab Dvalishvili talks about his early struggles while having to train with just women and kids rather than actual fighters..

⁩Merab Dvalishvili Recalls Training With Moms and Kids Before Becoming UFC Champion

Merab Dvalishvili shares an instance where he trained along with kids and moms (via X)

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Merab Dvalishvili is one of the most admired fighters on the current UFC roster for his relentless fighting style. He is set to defend his championship for the third time this year after two highlight victories. The Georgian fighter has built a strong name in UFC despite facing several hardships during the early years of his career.

Dvalishvili is known as one of the hardest-working UFC fighters, always showing incredible dedication during intense title fights. Earlier this year, he successfully defended his bantamweight title twice, defeating Sean O’Malley and Umar Nurmagomedov in dominant performances. In a recent interview, the ‘Machine’ reflected on struggles finding a proper gym and reliable training partners in his early journey.

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 

Dvalishvili is an immigrant who moved from Georgia to the USA in search of better opportunities and training resources. To support himself during early struggles, Dvalishvili worked long hours in construction while still dedicating time to intense MMA training. Even after signing with the UFC, he continued doing odd jobs to afford gym expenses, rent, and daily living essentials.

After becoming champion, Dvalishvili inspired countless immigrants and fighters by showing that dreams can come true through hard work and sacrifice. He became extremely emotional and grateful when he finally received his United States citizenship after years of struggle. The champion shares a strong friendship with Aljamain Sterling and maintains great relationships with fellow UFC fighters and peers.

Does Merab Dvalishvili have the best cardio in UFC?

Merab Dvalishvili has firmly established himself as the UFC’s best cardio machine, consistently pushing a relentless pace throughout every round. His performances against legends like Jose Aldo and Petr Yan showcased how he overwhelms elite opponents without slowing down for a second. Joe Rogan once stated that an expert claimed Dvalishvili’s cardio surpasses fighters allegedly enhanced with EPO, which is a shocking comparison.

Merab Dvalishvili's incredible cardio
Merab Dvalishvili’s incredible cardio (via X)

This insane gas tank allows Dvalishvili to attempt over twenty takedowns per fight, breaking opponents mentally and physically with pressure. The current middleweight champion, Dricus Du Plessis, who is also known for his incredible cardio, was also surprised by the Georgian champion. In an interview, the South African gave Dvalishvili credit for being so inspiring as an athlete. 

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

The day after winning the bantamweight belt, Daniel Cormier found Dvalishvili still running, refusing to skip his intense training. He is known for his bizarre antics, like diving face-first into frozen lakes or doing pull-ups from dangerous cliff edges. Despite suffering injuries before several fights, Dvalishvili always shows up in peak form, never letting setbacks impact his performance.

Currently, Dvalishvili is scheduled to defend his title against top contender Cory Sandhagen at UFC 320. Ahead of the fight, the champion is the obvious betting favorite as he has often demolished striking heavy fighters. On the other hand, the ‘Sandman’ has the opportunity to break Dvalishvili’s incredible winning run and become the new champion.

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