Merab Dvalishvili is no stranger to dominance, but his latest performance at UFC 320 may have been his most defining yet. Defending his bantamweight title for the third time this year, “The Machine” overwhelmed Cory Sandhagen with his trademark wrestling and relentless pressure over five rounds.
While Sandhagen managed to edge the opening frame on two scorecards, the fight quickly shifted in Dvalishvili’s favor. What followed was a grappling masterclass, as the Georgian superstar showcased his unmatched cardio and control to cruise to another decisive victory.
“The Machine” Breaks Through UFC Record Books
Before stepping into the Octagon, Dvalishvili already held the record for the most takedowns in UFC history with 97. He admitted ahead of UFC 320 that he wasn’t chasing milestones, but once the fight began, that mindset changed.
In his post-fight press conference, Dvalishvili confessed that he intentionally pursued takedowns to boost his stats, saying:
It was some moments during the fight, I just kept taking him down because I’m like, ‘Oh, this is another for my takedown records.’ I was just doing it because of the records.
By the end of the night, he had increased his total to an astonishing 117 career takedowns, setting a new record for the most takedowns in a UFC title fight (20), surpassing Sean Sherk’s previous record of 16 set back in 2007.
This milestone places Dvalishvili in elite company among grappling greats like Khabib Nurmagomedov, Georges St-Pierre, and Demetrious Johnson, yet the Georgian’s pace and consistency set him apart.
Chasing Greatness: Two Wins Away from History
Beyond his individual performance, Dvalishvili is on the verge of joining one of the most exclusive clubs in MMA history. With his victory over Sandhagen, he now sits at 14 consecutive UFC wins, just two behind Anderson Silva’s legendary record of 16 straight victories.
If he maintains his current form, Dvalishvili could tie or even surpass Silva’s streak by early 2026. He’s already expressed interest in returning to the cage before the year ends, targeting a December fight to continue his historic run.
What’s Next for Merab Dvalishvili?
After clearing another top contender in Merab Dvalishvili, the question naturally shifts to: Who’s next?
While potential rematches with Umar Nurmagomedov or Petr Yan are already being discussed, Dvalishvili’s team has floated a far more intriguing idea, a super fight against featherweight legend Alexander Volkanovski.
Speaking with Submission Radio, Dvalishvili’s coach John Wood revealed his enthusiasm for the matchup.
I love that fight, Wood said. Volkanovski might have a little more clean standup, but we’re getting there. The pace of Merab, even in a bigger weight class, is just so hard to deal with. It’s a really interesting match because they’re both so damn tough and both so damn good.
A clash between Dvalishvili and Volkanovski would be a stylistic dream for fans, a battle between relentless pressure and technical precision. For Merab, it would also represent an opportunity to prove that his pace and wrestling could translate to a higher division.
Legacy in Motion
With every fight, Merab Dvalishvili continues to redefine what it means to be a grinder in modern MMA. His blend of endless cardio, elite grappling, and mental toughness has made him one of the most feared fighters in the world and a nightmare matchup for anyone in his path.
From “stat-padding” takedowns to chasing Anderson Silva’s win streak, Dvalishvili’s rise is more than a streak, it’s a statement. He’s not just defending his title; he’s building a legacy that could one day rank among the greatest in UFC history.
Also read, Is Merab Dvalishvili the Bantamweight GOAT? After UFC 320, the Answer Might Be Yes
