“Don’t Take Champions Like This For Granted” – Merab Dvalishvili’s 2025 Plan Has Fans Praising Bantamweight Star

UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili wants to fight four times in a year and shatter all the activity records.

“Don’t Take Champions Like This For Granted” – Merab Dvalishvili’s 2025 Plan Has Fans Praising Bantamweight Star

Merab Dvalishvili is ready to fight three more times in 2025 (via Imago)

Merab Dvalishvili wants to change what it’s like to be a modern UFC champion in today’s highly competitive fight landscape. While most champions are fighting twice a year, the ‘Machine’ is determined to shatter those typical scheduling records completely. Ahead of his upcoming title defence against Sean O’Malley, Dvalishvili has shared his ultimate plan for ending UFC 2025.

At UFC 316, Dvalishvili will take on O’Malley in a title rematch, surprising many and drawing widespread promotional criticism. In their last outing, the Georgian dominated O’Malley, a performance that significantly boosted his popularity and made him a fan favorite. In a recent interview with ESPN MMA, Dvalishvili discussed possibly fighting four times in 2025 after beating O’Malley:

I’m working hard for win and to defend my belt again. I don’t look at this as an easy fight, it’s going to be a challenge, but I want to be busy. I’m only going to take one month off, and I’ll be back to training camp. I want to be busy. I heard they’re going to have a fight in Guadalajara, Mexico, and I’d like to fight there and then fight in New York (in November) or in December. Let’s see. This one and two more this year. Let’s see.

In the last Mexico event at Noche UFC, Dvalishvili headlined and defeated O’Malley, earning massive praise from Mexican fans. It seems like this time the determined fighter wants to continue that growing tradition and international fan appreciation proudly. Other than that, the Georgian has never competed inside Madison Square Garden, but the November card offers that opportunity.

Dvalishvili has dominated most of his past opponents which including seasoned veterans as well as upcoming top contenders. Despite being prone to injuries in training, the fighter rarely gets into trouble inside the octagon. His incredible cardio, along with pressure fighting, can definitely help him get those wins and it seems like fans are hyped about it too.

Fight fans react to Merab Dvalishvili’s promise to fight four times a year

Over the years, Merab Dvalishvili has changed the public narrative by consistently winning and proving that he’s more than just a grappler. Initially underestimated, Dvalishvili has transformed perceptions through heart, humility, as well as his hilarious personality. The fighter often gets viral for unusual things, such as doing pull-ups from a cliff edge and jumping head-first into a frozen lake.

Merab Dvalishvili gets fans' support for his recent announcement
Merab Dvalishvili gets fans’ support for his recent announcement (via X)

Now a titleholder, fans have embraced his dominance and activity, something they deeply missed from other inconsistent top UFC champions. While champions like Alex Pereira have fought thrice a year, Dvalishvili plans to surpass that and set new standards. Following his bold announcement, Dvalishvili’s interview went viral online, drawing massive attention and millions of views from fans around the world.

As expected, fans lauded Merab Dvalishvili with praise for fighting such frequently as a UFC champion. Some made jokes about him being a ‘Machine’ and having enough cardio to do so with ease. However, there were many negative comments about the fighter being a cardio merchant and nothing else.

His lack of finishing has been a constant criticism, often overshadowing his dominance and relentless pressure inside the UFC octagon. Throughout his UFC career, he has secured only one TKO win, which came in 2021 against veteran Marlon Moraes. However, the fighter aims to change this narrative, starting with Sean O’Malley, as expressed in his latest interview:

I’m excited for this rematch just for fighting, and I’m going to try to finish, I want to try striking, I want to try different things. I know Sean will change his plan. He’s also saying he’s going to be a 70 percent better version, and I want to see this and test this. I’m more excited with this. Of course, thank God the UFC is a big organization and every time we fight, we make good money. I’m good with money. I’m more excited to fight.

Going into the bout, O’Malley has promised to bring a different and efficient version of himself who will beat Dvalishvili. ‘Suga’ had made various changes in his lifestyle and recently underwent hip surgery, which had been bothering him for a long time.