Coach Reveals Merab Dvalishvili Will Unleash New Dangerous Level of Fighting in Upcoming Title Fights

UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili's coach, John Wood, lays out a dangerous game plan ahead of UFC 320 title defense.

Coach Reveals Merab Dvalishvili Will Unleash New Dangerous Level of Fighting in Upcoming Title Fights

Merab Dvalishvili's coach reveals new version (via Instagram)

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In the world of mixed martial arts, fighters continually seek ways to evolve. Whether it’s technical adjustments or entirely new strategies, the ability to reinvent can often determine how far someone climbs in their career. For reigning bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili, that evolution seems to be taking a bold new turn, with promises of a style that is far more destructive than what fans have seen so far.

For years, ‘The Machine’ has built his reputation as one of the most relentless athletes in the UFC. His suffocating pace, tireless wrestling, and unmatched cardio have enabled him to dominate opponents such as Sean O’Malley and Umar Nurmagomedov. However, much of his success has come through grinding decision victories, where he systematically neutralizes rivals rather than delivering finishes.

This approach has made him effective, but at times it has also opened him up to criticism for not producing the kind of highlight moments that capture mainstream attention. However, according to his coach, John Wood, the Georgian has been working on adding more aggression and fight-ending intent to his game, rather than relying solely on overwhelming pressure.

That man is on a tear in the gym. I can’t even express or explain how much better he is and how much better he’s getting in this camp; it’s almost jaw-dropping. Everybody in the gym is buzzing about him. He is now looking to create entertaining, devastating fights. You’re going to see a whole different Merab in this fight that is going to be brutal and even funner to watch.

John Wood via Home Of Fight

Wood’s comments come ahead of Dvalishvili’s upcoming and third title defense against #4 bantamweight Cory Sandhagen at UFC 320. Ever since his UFC debut in 2017, the Georgian has dominated former champions and legends of the division, including Jose Aldo and Henry Cejudo. Despite facing setbacks in his first two fights in the promotion, Dvalishvili has racked up an impressive 13-fight win streak since 2018.

Much of Dvalishvili’s success, however, has also been credited to his extreme training methods. Stories of his unusual routines, from swimming in freezing rivers to relentless conditioning sessions that push him past exhaustion, have become part of his legend. His fun and quirky demeanor has also made him a fan favorite and popular on social media.

Ultimately, Dvalishvili’s reign as champion could be defined by this transformation. He has already proven that he can outlast and overwhelm the very best, but now he seeks to deliver the kind of finishes that turn dominance into legacy. If his coach’s words hold, the bantamweight division is about to witness a champion who not only wins but devastates in the process.

Merab Dvalishvili lays out plans for UFC 320 and the future

The journey of a reigning champion is never straightforward, and the path forward often carries challenges that can define a legacy. For Merab Dvalishvili, the next stretch of his reign is shaping up to be one of the most significant yet, with history within his reach. ‘The Machine’ recently laid out his plan for his fight against Cory Sandhagen at UFC 320 and a potential rematch with Petr Yan.

Merab Dvalishvili wants to rematch Petr Yan at UFC 323
Merab Dvalishvili wants to rematch Petr Yan at UFC 323 (via MMA Fighting)

Dvalishvili has declared his intent to knock out Sandhagen, a bold statement considering the ‘Sandman’s reputation for unorthodox striking and durability. However, the Georgian plans to showcase his activity if he wins at UFC 320 by competing against Yan at UFC 323. He recently spoke with MMA Junkie‘s Mike Bohn and outlined his plans for the year-end.

I’m looking for the knockout because I’m working on my striking, you know. I know a lot of people think I got this fight easy, but definitely no because it’s a new fight for me. Cory Sandhagen is a dangerous opponent. I have so much respect for him as a fighter, as a human being.

Merab Dvalishvili via MMA Junkie

Dvalishvili defeated Yan via unanimous decision back in 2023 on his path to the title. However, ever since then, ‘No Mercy’ has made a strong case to earn a title shot after defeating the likes of Deiveson Figueiredo and Song Yadong. The Georgian champion, however, plans to make history by defending his belt four times in a year at a potential UFC 323 card.

I want ask them favour, to fight four times this year. If I win, you know first I have to win this (against Sandhagen), I want to come back and give Petr Yan his fight because he is the clear contender right now, and he is the most deserving guy in my weight class.

Merab Dvalishvili via MMA Junkie

By defeating Yan again, he would secure his place among the most dominant bantamweight champions in UFC history. Facing two of the division’s most skilled and proven contenders back-to-back highlights Merab Dvalishvili’s willingness to embrace difficult challenges. If he succeeds, it could cement his reign as one of the most memorable the division has ever seen.

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