Merab Dvalishvili made UFC history at UFC 311, surpassing Georges St-Pierre’s all-time takedown record in a dominant performance against Umar Nurmagomedov. In the co-main event at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, the Georgian bantamweight champion retained his title and solidified his place among UFC legends.
Breaking the All-Time Takedown Record
Entering UFC 311, Dvalishvili had 85 career takedowns, just five shy of the record set by former welterweight champion and UFC Hall of Famer Georges St-Pierre. Over five grueling rounds, Dvalishvili’s relentless pace and grappling prowess helped him secure 91 career takedowns, surpassing GSP and establishing himself as the UFC’s most prolific takedown artist.
The Fight: A Bantamweight Battle for the Ages
Dvalishvili faced Nurmagomedov in a highly anticipated bout that UFC President Dana White later called the “Fight of the Night.” The first two rounds saw Nurmagomedov utilize sharp striking to take an early lead. However, as the fight progressed, Dvalishvili’s unparalleled cardio and grappling began to wear down his opponent.
By the latter rounds, Dvalishvili’s pressure overwhelmed Nurmagomedov. He secured multiple takedowns, controlled the pace, and nullified his opponent’s striking. The judges awarded Dvalishvili a unanimous decision victory with scores of 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46.
Dvalishvili’s Post-Fight Reflections
After the fight, Dvalishvili revealed the challenges he overcame leading up to the event. “I had an infection in my leg and hurt my lower back,” he admitted. Despite these setbacks, he delivered a performance that UFC commentator Joe Rogan called one of the best bantamweight fights ever. Rogan praised the champion, saying, “That was the highest-level bantamweight fight I have ever watched.”
Cementing His Legacy
Dvalishvili’s victory marked his 12th consecutive win, further solidifying his place at the top of the bantamweight division. During this streak, he has defeated notable names such as Jose Aldo, Petr Yan, Henry Cejudo, and Sean O’Malley. With this latest win, Dvalishvili is now tied for fifth in all-time bantamweight victories with 11.
What’s Next for ‘The Machine’?
While Dvalishvili’s record-breaking performance at UFC 311 will be remembered as a historic moment, the champion’s focus remains on the future. With an evolving division, Dvalishvili’s next title defense promises to be another exciting chapter in his career.
As the UFC’s new takedown king, Dvalishvili continues to live up to his nickname, ‘The Machine,’ proving that relentless effort and dedication can rewrite history.
Follow FIGHTCORE for more updates and the latest news!
