Merab Dvalishvili Predicts Ronda Rousey vs Gina Carano to End in Upsetting Fashion

Former UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili believes that Gina Carano will shock the world against Ronda Rousey.

Merab Dvalishvili Predicts Ronda Rousey vs Gina Carano to End in Upsetting Fashion

Merab Dvalishvili talks about Ronda Rousey vs Gina Carano (via MMA Fighting)

In Short
  • Merab Dvalishvili predicts Gina Carano will defeat Ronda Rousey in their upcoming fight.
  • The bout is scheduled for May 16, marking a return for both fighters after long absences from competition.
  • Dvalishvili's training sessions with Carano have impressed him, leading to his unexpected support for her victory.

The upcoming superfight between Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano has drawn major attention, becoming the talk of the MMA community. Many have given Rousey the edge, pointing to her more recent run before retiring in 2016. In contrast, Carano has been out of competition since 2009 and is now 45 years old. However, after training with her recently, Merab Dvalishvili has a different view of the fight.

The bout between Rousey and Carano is scheduled for May 16, marking a high-profile return for both MMA legends after long layoffs. Rousey last competed in 2016, when she suffered a knockout loss to Amanda Nunes. On the other hand, Carano’s last fight came in 2009 against Cris Cyborg. The contest is set to headline a major card promoted by Most Valuable Promotions and will stream globally on Netflix.

Ahead of her return, Carano has been training at Syndicate MMA under coach John Wood. Dvalishvili, who also represents the gym and competes under Wood, has trained alongside her at the facility in recent sessions. These workouts gave him a closer look at her conditioning and overall preparation for the bout. That experience has led him to favor the Strikeforce legend over Rousey heading into the fight.

It was a great honor for me to train with her, I was surprised, good surprised, at how good she is. Ronda Rousey has a judo background. I have also a judo background. But I think Gina Carano will win this fight, knowing how good she is. I’ve never seen her fight before, but when I’m training with her, I am so impressed. She is the real deal. I think she can beat Ronda Rousey. She is going to make UFC fighters look bad, and she is going to make judo also look bad. But I think she is going to win.

Merab Dvalishvili via The Ariel Helwani Show

Dvalishvili is currently locked in training as he prepares for a potential trilogy bout against Petr Yan in a bid to reclaim the title he lost at UFC 323. He had also been scheduled to face former rival Henry Cejudo at RAF 08, but the matchup was canceled after Cejudo withdrew. Despite these setbacks, the Georgian star continues to train while dealing with a broken nose, for which he has opted against surgery.

Dvalishvili’s recent comments on Carano vs Rousey have added to the intrigue, framing it as a matchup that suggests fighters can still compete at a high level decades into their careers. Meanwhile, Matt Brown has offered a contrasting view. The welterweight veteran believes the fight may fall short of expectations. He also believed that the fight would highlight the skill gap between the UFC and other promotions.

The bout ultimately pits two MMA legends from different eras against each other, as Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano prepare to return under unique circumstances. If Merab Dvalishvili’s assessment holds true, modern-era UFC fans could witness a version of Carano not seen since her Strikeforce run between 2006 and 2009. That possibility adds a layer of intrigue to a fight already fueled by legacy and expectations.

Merab Dvalishvili reveals the reason behind his Georgian Flag tattoo

Merab Dvalishvili has become a massive superstar in Georgia, rising to national prominence through his success in the UFC. He became the second UFC champion from the country, further cementing his place in its sporting history. Following his first title defense victory at UFC 316, he was welcomed back like a hero. His popularity is evident through murals of him painted across the country,

Merab Dvalishvili
Merab Dvalishvili (via MMA Fighting)

Merab Dvalishvili has consistently represented Georgia throughout his UFC run. While he is now a naturalized United States citizen, he previously carried a mixed flag of both nations during his walkouts. That display reflected his dual identity inside the Octagon. However, after the UFC stopped fighters from carrying flags, the former champion chose to get the tattoo as a permanent way to represent his roots.

The UFC changed the rules. I was allowed to carry the flag down before, and then they said no more flags. I was wearing a necklace, and they said no necklaces either. That’s why I got it tattooed. I don’t need a tattoo for my wife. You never know, I might change wives, you know

Merab Dvalishvili via Full Violence

Restrictions around flags have remained a notable issue in the UFC over the past few years. The policy has led to questions directed at CEO Dana White, who has often advocated for free speech. For fighters, the changes have altered how they express national identity on a global stage. In Merab Dvalishvili’s case, it ultimately led to a permanent solution that continues to reflect his roots.

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