Merab Dvalishvili has done what few fighters in UFC history have managed. He has not only dominated an entire division but also redefined what dominance looks like in modern MMA. After his landmark victory over Cory Sandhagen at UFC 320, it is time to seriously consider whether Merab is not just a great champion, but the greatest bantamweight the UFC has ever seen.
UFC 320: A Historic Night for “The Machine”
At UFC 320 in Las Vegas, Dvalishvili defended his bantamweight title for the third time in 2025. That achievement alone sets him apart, as no other champion in the division has managed three title defenses within a single calendar year.
More importantly, his unanimous decision win over Sandhagen came with historic numbers. Merab landed 20 takedowns in the fight, breaking the all-time record for most takedowns in a UFC title bout. He also became the first fighter in UFC history to surpass 100 career takedowns, now standing at 117.
Even though Merab admitted during his press conference interview that he was aware of the record and wanted to add to it, that does not diminish the performance. What matters is that no one in UFC history has been able to achieve what he just did inside the Octagon.
A Resume That Demands Recognition
When it comes to the bantamweight GOAT debate, the numbers and opponents tell the story. Merab Dvalishvili is currently riding a 14-fight win streak, one of the longest in UFC today. His resume includes wins over former champions and top contenders such as Jose Aldo, Petr Yan, Henry Cejudo, Sean O’Malley and Cory Sandhagen.
These victories are not the result of favorable matchups or short-notice replacements. Merab has faced and defeated the best fighters available at the time of each booking. His strength of schedule rivals that of any former bantamweight champion, and unlike some of his peers, he has done it without setbacks or inactivity.
In a division as stacked as 135 pounds, consistency is rare. Merab has delivered it, fight after fight, year after year.
Merab: A New Standard in Wrestling Dominance
What separates Merab from other greats is how he wins. His control of the grappling game is unmatched. He has weaponized wrestling in a way that forces even elite strikers to abandon their game plans. By surpassing Georges St-Pierre’s all-time takedown record, Merab has etched his name among the legends.
Opponents know exactly what Merab is going to do, yet they still cannot stop it. His cardio, pace and timing make his wrestling not just effective but overwhelming. This level of mastery in one discipline, combined with improved striking, makes him one of the most complete fighters in the division’s history.
Backed by Champions and Legends
Following his win at UFC 320, fighters and analysts across the MMA world began echoing the same sentiment. Alexander Volkanovski praised Merab’s resume. Former double champ Henry Cejudo declared him the greatest bantamweight in UFC history. Even former champion Aljamain Sterling, who holds the most UFC bantamweight wins, said that Merab has surpassed him.
The Critics and the Reality
Some critics argue that Merab lacks finishes. But in the modern era of MMA, domination over five rounds against elite competition holds as much weight as a knockout. Merab neutralizes opponents, avoids damage and controls the fight from bell to bell.
Others point to longer reigns from fighters like Dominick Cruz or more explosive moments from TJ Dillashaw. However, neither had the combination of consistency, durability and statistical dominance that Merab has delivered over the past several years.
While GOAT debates will always have multiple voices, the evidence is clear. Merab Dvalishvili is not just part of the conversation. He may be the standard by which all future bantamweights are measured.
Follow FIGHTCORE for more updates.
