Merab Dvalishvili: Net Worth, Wife, Record & Next Fight (2025)

Merab “The Machine” Dvalishvili (21-4) is the reigning UFC Bantamweight Champion and arguably the most relentlessly conditioned athlete in the promotion’s history. Born in the Soviet-era Republic of Georgia, Dvalishvili immigrated to the United States to pursue his dream, developing a style of fighting defined by unmatched cardio, ceaseless takedown attempts, and relentless top pressure. His nickname, “The Machine,” perfectly reflects his non-stop, mechanical output inside the Octagon.

Dvalishvili holds the record for the most takedowns landed in the UFC Bantamweight division and owns victories over a laundry list of legends, including Petr Yan, José Aldo, and former two-division champion Henry Cejudo. He is a key part of the famed Serra-Longo Fight Team, where he trains alongside legends like Matt Serra and Ray Longo.

Whether you are looking for his current net worth, his champion record, where he trains, or the latest betting analysis for his upcoming title defense, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the Georgian phenomenon.

Quick Stats: Merab Dvalishvili

Merab Dvalishvili Net Worth 2025: How Much Does He Make?

As of late 2025, Merab Dvalishvili’s estimated net worth is between $2.5 Million and $3 Million USD.

His financial status has seen a massive jump following his capture of the UFC Bantamweight Championship, transitioning from a reliable contender’s salary to a champion’s purse structure that includes a share of pay-per-view revenue.

Average Pay: As a champion and main event staple, Merab Dvalishvili now makes approximately $500,000 to $1.5 Million per fight when factoring in his base salary, potential PPV bonuses, and sponsorship earnings.

Fight Purse Breakdown and Career Earnings

Dvalishvili’s early career earnings were modest, often in the $14,000 range. However, his climb through the rankings and eventual championship status have made him a top earner in the division.

• Championship Earnings: For his championship bouts—including the rematch against Sean O’Malley (UFC 316) and his defense against Cory Sandhagen (UFC 320)—Merab received a disclosed base salary of at least $500,000. His total compensation for the UFC 306 title win over O’Malley was reportedly close to $1.5 million when factoring in PPV points and bonuses.
• Bonuses: While his style is grind-heavy, Merab has earned lucrative bonuses, including the $50,000 Fight of the Night bonus for his title defense against Umar Nurmagomedov (UFC 311).
• Sponsorships: Merab leverages his unique personality and Georgian pride into strong endorsement deals. He has partnered with brands like Star Pro Combat, Panini America, and various organizations tied to the Georgian community, adding a significant six-figure income stream outside of the Octagon.

Biography: From Georgian SSR to “The Machine”

Where is Merab Dvalishvili from?

Merab Dvalishvili was born in the small village of Vani, in the Imereti region of what was then the Georgian SSR (Soviet Union) in 1991. He grew up in the newly independent country of Georgia, moving to the capital, Tbilisi, at age nine.

Cultural Background & Heritage

Merab is both a Georgian and a naturalized American citizen, reflecting his commitment to both his homeland and his adopted home.

• Heritage: He belongs to the Georgian ethnic group.
• Languages: Merab is multilingual, speaking Georgian (his native language), Russian, and English.
• Fighting Roots: His combat foundation was built on traditional Georgian fighting styles like kartuli chidaoba (traditional wrestling) and khridoli, supplemented by Sambo and Judo. He holds a black belt in Judo and a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
• Religion: Merab is a devout Eastern Orthodox Christian, affiliated with the Georgian Orthodox Church. He has publicly spoken about his faith, occasionally posting content from church visits, confirming his religious identity, which is sometimes mistaken by fans due to his regional upbringing.

The Origin of “The Machine”

The nickname “The Machine” was coined by his Serra-Longo teammate, UFC Lightweight Matt Frevola.

• The Tenacity: Frevola gave him the name during a grueling training session, noting that Merab never stopped pushing, even when exhausted, moving with the cold, relentless efficiency of a mechanical device.
• The Stats: The moniker is justified by his records: Merab attempted a UFC-record 49 takedowns against Petr Yan and currently holds the divisional record for total takedowns landed. He simply does not have an “off” switch.

Where Does Merab Dvalishvili Live and Train?

Merab’s fighting style is intrinsically linked to his training environment on the East Coast of the United States.

Home Base: Long Island, New York

Merab Dvalishvili moved to the United States at the age of 21 specifically to pursue his MMA career. He currently lives in Long Island, New York, which is the hub of his primary training camp.

The Gym: Serra-Longo Fight Team

He trains exclusively at the legendary Serra-Longo Fight Team (LAW MMA) in Garden City, New York.

• Coaches: He is trained by the partnership of Matt Serra (former UFC Welterweight Champion) and Ray Longo. Serra focuses on the grappling aspect, while Longo, known for his striking insight, handles the tactical approach.
• Championship Pedigree: Merab is the fourth UFC champion produced by the Serra-Longo team, following Matt Serra, Chris Weidman, and his close friend and former champion Aljamain Sterling.
• Training Partners: His high-level training partners include Aljamain Sterling (whom he has famously refused to fight), Chris Weidman, and other top New England regional talents. The gym culture emphasizes non-stop conditioning and technical drilling, which perfectly fuels Merab’s relentless style.

Fight Record & Career Highlights

Professional Record: 21 Wins, 4 Losses.

Merab Dvalishvili started his UFC career with two controversial losses, but since then has gone on an incredible win streak that cemented his legacy as one of the best bantamweights of all time.

The Unstoppable Streak

Merab is currently on a 14-fight unbeaten streak in the UFC’s toughest division, a streak that includes multiple former champions and top contenders. This run is a testament to his durability, iron-will, and ability to constantly evolve his technique without sacrificing his trademark pace.

Championship and Key Wins Breakdown

The Controversial Start: Merab’s two initial UFC losses (a split decision to Frankie Saenz and a debatable late submission to Ricky Simon) are often debated. The loss to Simon included a finish that came precisely at the horn, raising questions about whether the time expired first. Since then, he has not looked back.

When is Merab Dvalishvili’s Next Fight?- Against Who? (UFC 323)

Merab Dvalishvili is scheduled to make his next title defense against former champion Petr Yan 2 in a highly anticipated rematch, headlining UFC 323 on December 6, 2025. The fight is a chance for Merab to definitively close the book on his rivalry with Yan, whom he defeated previously by a dominant unanimous decision. This five-round main event is crucial for the Bantamweight division, as Yan remains the last true challenger Merab has yet to fully silence. A win here would solidify Merab’s reign and push him toward discussion as one of the greatest bantamweights of all time. Given their grueling first encounter, fans are expecting another high-paced, high-volume war.

Personal Life: Friendship, Family & Viral Antics

Merab Dvalishvili’s personality outside the cage is as infectious as his pressure inside it. He is known for his highly positive, playful, and loyal demeanor.

Family and Personal Status

Marital Status: Merab is currently single. While he is very outgoing, he has joked publicly about trying to find a wife. In late 2025, he even produced a viral video series with MMA personality Nina Drama documenting his “quest” to find a wife in Georgia, leaning into his popular image.

Loyalty to Sterling: His defining relationship outside of fighting is his bond with former champion Aljamain Sterling. The two are inseparable friends, training partners, and roommates. Merab famously refused to fight Sterling while “Funk Master” held the belt, stating his loyalty to his brother came first.

Viral Antics and “Mexican Merab”

Merab has developed a reputation as the UFC’s biggest prankster, often hijacking interviews and playing tricks on his teammates.

The Mexican Flag: Before fighting Henry Cejudo at UFC 298, Merab embraced the Mexican-American crowd by adopting the persona “Mexican Merab” and walking out with a Mexican flag, an impromptu piece of showmanship that won him legions of new fans and became a major viral moment.

Mark Zuckerberg: Merab famously trains with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, often posting photos and videos of his private grappling sessions. This unlikely pairing has further boosted his visibility in mainstream media.

Betting Analysis: Strengths & Weaknesses

Merab Dvalishvili offers one of the most reliable betting paths in the entire UFC roster due to his predictable, yet overwhelmingly effective, style.

✅ Strengths (When to Bet ON Merab)

1. Takedown Volume: Merab averages an incredible 6.40 takedowns per 15 minutes (compared to the Bantamweight average of 1.9). This volume is a mathematical certainty that almost always guarantees him control time and wins him rounds on the scorecards.
2. Cardio and Pace: His relentless gas tank, fueled by grueling training sessions, allows him to maintain peak output for 25 minutes. He often dominates the later rounds (Round 4 and 5) against exhausted opponents.
3. Moneyline & Decision Prop: Merab is almost always the betting favorite and has a high decision rate. Betting “Merab by Decision” has been historically the most profitable way to play him, as 16 of his 21 wins have come via the judge’s scorecards (76% decision rate).
4. Striking Defense: Despite being a high-volume wrestler, his striking defense (56%) is excellent, preventing opponents from landing major counter-shots when he enters the pocket.

❌ Weaknesses (When to Bet AGAINST Merab)

1. Finishing Power: Merab rarely finishes fights. While he has improved his submission game (as seen against O’Malley), his striking power is generally considered average for the division, making him vulnerable to counter-strikers who can maximize damage with limited output.
2. Short Reach: His 68-inch reach is below average for the bantamweight division, making it difficult for him to establish range against longer strikers like Sean O’Malley and Cory Sandhagen.
3. Vulnerability to Submissions: Merab’s only stoppage loss came via submission (Guillotine Choke to Ricky Simon). Aggressive submission specialists could attempt to catch him in scrambles, though his BJJ defense has improved dramatically.

Betting Tip: Merab’s high takedown volume often generates long periods of ground control, which appeals heavily to judges. His growing wealth does not seem to have affected his relentless pace; betting the “Over” on rounds in his fights, especially championship rounds, has historically been a strong position.

FAQ: Common Questions About Merab Dvalishvili

What is Merab Dvalishvili’s fighting style?

Merab’s style is primarily Freestyle Wrestling and Judo, heavily augmented by unparalleled cardio. He uses high-volume striking to set up takedowns and then uses suffocating ground control and GNP (Ground-and-Pound) to wear down opponents.

Why did Merab refuse to fight Aljamain Sterling?

Merab and Aljamain Sterling are extremely close friends and training partners at Serra-Longo. Merab repeatedly stated he would not fight his “brother” and long-time teammate as long as Sterling held the Bantamweight title, showing deep loyalty to his camp.

Did Merab Dvalishvili win the UFC Bantamweight Championship?

Yes, Merab Dvalishvili defeated Sean O’Malley via unanimous decision at UFC 306 to capture the UFC Bantamweight Championship. He has since successfully defended the title three times.

What is Merab’s record for takedowns?

Merab Dvalishvili holds the UFC record for the most takedowns attempted in a single fight (49), which he set against Petr Yan. He also holds the divisional record for the most total takedowns landed in Bantamweight history.

Is Merab Dvalishvili a US Citizen?

Yes, Merab Dvalishvili, who moved to the U.S. at age 21, became a naturalized American citizen in 2024. He proudly carries both the Georgian and American flags to the Octagon.

What was Merab Dvalishvili’s job before the UFC?

Before dedicating himself fully to MMA, Merab Dvalishvili worked in construction while establishing himself in the New York fighting scene to make ends meet.