Tag: UFC 278

Merab Dvalishvili Ponders Flyweight Switch After Win Over José Aldo

Merab Dvalishvili believes that a switch from bantamweight contention to flyweight contention could be possible if he emerges victorious over José Aldo in his next appearance. After a long wait, Dvalishvili finally has his return to the Octagon set. The #6-ranked contender impressed last time out, extending his win streak to seven with a memorable…

Continue Reading Merab Dvalishvili Ponders Flyweight Switch After Win Over José Aldo at MMA News.

Merab Dvalishvili believes that a switch from bantamweight contention to flyweight contention could be possible if he emerges victorious over José Aldo in his next appearance.

After a long wait, Dvalishvili finally has his return to the Octagon set. The #6-ranked contender impressed last time out, extending his win streak to seven with a memorable TKO victory over the now-retired Marlon Moraes at UFC 266 last September.

But after some minor injuries and a dedicated role in teammate Aljamain Sterling’s UFC 273 camp, the Georgian’s rise has been somewhat stalled due to a lengthy layoff. He’ll look to bring his name back to the surface when he squares off with MMA legend Aldo at UFC 278 in August.

Following the announcement of his return, Dvalishvili spoke with MMA News’ own James Lynch on a variety of topics, including Sterling’s reign and public pay demands, the potential bantamweight arrival of Deiveson Figueiredo, and his new six-fight UFC contract.

One notable admission Dvalishvili made was a potential future at flyweight. “The Machine” finds himself in a unique position at 135 pounds owing to the success of friend and teammate Sterling.

While a victory over Aldo, whom many believe has already earned another shot at gold, would likely be enough to make the Georgian deserving of a title opportunity, he’s made it very clear that he won’t be sharing the Octagon with Sterling.

And although “Funk Master” has revealed plans to defend the belt a few times before moving up to featherweight to allow for Dvalishvili’s own success in the division, the Tbilisi native has offered to go the other way.

Dvalishvili told MMA News that should he add the legendary name of Aldo to his résumé on August 20, a jump into the 125-pound shark tank could await him.

“(Sterling) will be champion as long as he wants. I’m just gonna win this fight, chill, and maybe go (down to) 125,” said Dvalishvili. “We’ll see. I have to win this fight first… I think it’s possible (to make flyweight). I’d have to do tests first, maybe UFC PI can help me, and maybe I will do tests. If I make it, why not?”

With the likes of Figueiredo, Brandon Moreno, Kai Kara-France, Alexandre Pantoja, and Askar Askarov occupying the top positions of what is certainly a developing and exciting weight class, the addition of Dvalishvili would only add to the growth of the flyweight division.

And should the Georgian stall Aldo’s late surge and make the drop, perhaps we’ll be seeing teammates Sterling and Dvalishvili wielding UFC gold together.

Catch our full interview with UFC bantamweight contender Merab Dvalishvili below:

How do you think Merab Dvalishvili would fare at flyweight?

Continue Reading Merab Dvalishvili Ponders Flyweight Switch After Win Over José Aldo at MMA News.

Dana White Touts Kamaru Usman As The Greatest Welterweight Of All Time: ‘It’s Undeniable’

Kamaru UsmanUFC president, Dana White has claimed that reigning welterweight kingpin, Kamaru Usman has now surpassed former two-weight champion, Georges St-Pierre at the greatest welterweight fighter of all time, insisting that his claim is completely “undeniable”. Usman, undefeated in his 15-fight UFC tenure, is slated to headline UFC 278 in August against incoming title challenger and […]

Kamaru Usman

UFC president, Dana White has claimed that reigning welterweight kingpin, Kamaru Usman has now surpassed former two-weight champion, Georges St-Pierre at the greatest welterweight fighter of all time, insisting that his claim is completely “undeniable”.

Usman, undefeated in his 15-fight UFC tenure, is slated to headline UFC 278 in August against incoming title challenger and former foe, Leon Edwards – in search of his sixth successive successful title knockback since his 2019 reign began. 

Last time out, Usman managed to defeat former interim titleholder and arch-rival, two-time opponent, Colby Covington in the main event of UFC 268 last November at Madison Square Garden. 

Kamaru Usman has recently flirted with a light heavyweight division leap

Speaking on the résumé and legacy of Usman ahead of the Auchi native’s return at the Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah – White claimed that it was now “undeniable” that the former was the welterweight outlier in the sport – past and present.

“Leon Edwards is the number one guy in the world to take on (Kamaru) Usman,” Dana White told The Mac Life during an interview promoting UFC 278. “He’s a super talented guy, that whole division is stacked with incredible talent. That’s why it’s undeniable that Usman is the greatest welterweight ever.”

“He’s (Kamaru Usman) lapping guys that are incredible fighters, this isn’t like some lacklustre division where you got Usman and everybody else, just straight killers in this division,” Dana White continued. “We’ll find out that night what Edwards brings in here.”

White then compared the dominant reign of Usman to that of flyweight pacesetter, Valentina Shevchenko – who narrowly landed his seventh straight title defense two weeks ago at UFC 275 against Taila Santos.

“It’s easier to get there than it is to stay on top,” Dana White said. “That’s why it’s so impressive when you have people like Valentina Shevchenko and Kamaru Usman that go on these runs.” (Transcribed by MMA Mania)

During his roughshod run as welterweight kingpin, Usman, who clinched the title from Tyron Woodley back in March 2019 – has handed comprehensive decision and knockout losses to both Jorge Masvidal and the aforenoted, Covington – on separate occasions, as well as outlasting Gilbert Burns with a third round stoppage triumph. 

Leon Edwards On Facing Usman In Utah: “Where The F*ck Is That?”

UFC welterweight contender Leon Edwards had to dust off his map when he found out the location for his upcoming title challenge at UFC 278. After a long wait and plenty of callouts, #2-ranked Edwards is set to have his first championship opportunity inside the Octagon on August 20. Since a defeat to Kamaru Usman…

Continue Reading Leon Edwards On Facing Usman In Utah: “Where The F*ck Is That?” at MMA News.

UFC welterweight contender Leon Edwards had to dust off his map when he found out the location for his upcoming title challenge at UFC 278.

After a long wait and plenty of callouts, #2-ranked Edwards is set to have his first championship opportunity inside the Octagon on August 20. Since a defeat to Kamaru Usman in 2015, the Englishman has gone unbeaten in 10 outings, a period that’s included wins against Vicente Luque, Rafael dos Anjos, and Nate Diaz.

With that, he’s earned a second date with the reigning king, this time with the prestigious welterweight gold on the line.

The bout was announced during the UFC 275 broadcast this past Saturday, and with it came confirmation of the event and location, the latter of which perhaps took many by surprise.

For the second time, the UFC will be taking the Octagon to Utah for an event inside Salt Lake City’s Vivint Arena. The promotion’s first visit to the state came back in 2016 when current top-five featherweight Yair Rodriguez headlined UFC Fight Night 92 opposite Alex Caceres.

While many were surprised to see the UFC announce a PPV for the state, especially headlined by the welterweight king, Edwards’ reaction was more one of confusion than anything else, as he explained during an appearance on The MMA Hour.

“I ain’t got a clue where Utah is!” Edwards admitted,” with a laugh. “I thought, ‘Where the f*ck is that! I ain’t got a clue where that is. I said to them, ‘Where the f*ck is Utah!’ They’re like, ‘In America.’

“I wanted to do it in Vegas. I was telling everyone — when I’m walking around the street in Birmingham, everywhere I go they’re like, ‘When is the fight? When is the fight?’ I’m like, ‘It’s gonna be in Vegas,’ telling everyone it’s gonna be in Vegas. Now it’s in Utah, I was like, ‘Mate…’”

There had been talk of the UFC potentially capitalizing on the momentum from UFC London earlier this year by bringing a PPV card across the Atlantic. Edwards confirmed that discussions for that had taken place, but explained that the late event time that would have been required wasn’t a possibility at The O2.

“That was mentioned to me as well. They said that they were trying to change The O2 (UFC London on July 23) to a pay-per-view,” confirmed Edwards. “But to do that, you need to have it at like, four in the morning… They couldn’t change The O2 to that time. So, yeah, now here we are.”

Utah is a landlocked state in Western United States, bordered by Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, Arizona, and Nevada. It’s the 13th-largest state by area and the 30th most-populated, with over three million residents. The first Europeans to arrive there were the Spanish in the mid-16th century — in case any of Edwards’ fellow Europeans were struggling to put a place to the name.

Who will leave Utah (yes, UTAH) with the welterweight gold, Leon Edwards or Kamaru Usman?

Continue Reading Leon Edwards On Facing Usman In Utah: “Where The F*ck Is That?” at MMA News.

Leon Edwards On Facing Usman In Utah: “Where The F*ck Is That?”

UFC welterweight contender Leon Edwards had to dust off his map when he found out the location for his upcoming title challenge at UFC 278. After a long wait and plenty of callouts, #2-ranked Edwards is set to have his first championship opportunity inside the Octagon on August 20. Since a defeat to Kamaru Usman…

Continue Reading Leon Edwards On Facing Usman In Utah: “Where The F*ck Is That?” at MMA News.

UFC welterweight contender Leon Edwards had to dust off his map when he found out the location for his upcoming title challenge at UFC 278.

After a long wait and plenty of callouts, #2-ranked Edwards is set to have his first championship opportunity inside the Octagon on August 20. Since a defeat to Kamaru Usman in 2015, the Englishman has gone unbeaten in 10 outings, a period that’s included wins against Vicente Luque, Rafael dos Anjos, and Nate Diaz.

With that, he’s earned a second date with the reigning king, this time with the prestigious welterweight gold on the line.

The bout was announced during the UFC 275 broadcast this past Saturday, and with it came confirmation of the event and location, the latter of which perhaps took many by surprise.

For the second time, the UFC will be taking the Octagon to Utah for an event inside Salt Lake City’s Vivint Arena. The promotion’s first visit to the state came back in 2016 when current top-five featherweight Yair Rodriguez headlined UFC Fight Night 92 opposite Alex Caceres.

While many were surprised to see the UFC announce a PPV for the state, especially headlined by the welterweight king, Edwards’ reaction was more one of confusion than anything else, as he explained during an appearance on The MMA Hour.

“I ain’t got a clue where Utah is!” Edwards admitted,” with a laugh. “I thought, ‘Where the f*ck is that! I ain’t got a clue where that is. I said to them, ‘Where the f*ck is Utah!’ They’re like, ‘In America.’

“I wanted to do it in Vegas. I was telling everyone — when I’m walking around the street in Birmingham, everywhere I go they’re like, ‘When is the fight? When is the fight?’ I’m like, ‘It’s gonna be in Vegas,’ telling everyone it’s gonna be in Vegas. Now it’s in Utah, I was like, ‘Mate…’”

There had been talk of the UFC potentially capitalizing on the momentum from UFC London earlier this year by bringing a PPV card across the Atlantic. Edwards confirmed that discussions for that had taken place, but explained that the late event time that would have been required wasn’t a possibility at The O2.

“That was mentioned to me as well. They said that they were trying to change The O2 (UFC London on July 23) to a pay-per-view,” confirmed Edwards. “But to do that, you need to have it at like, four in the morning… They couldn’t change The O2 to that time. So, yeah, now here we are.”

Utah is a landlocked state in Western United States, bordered by Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, Arizona, and Nevada. It’s the 13th-largest state by area and the 30th most-populated, with over three million residents. The first Europeans to arrive there were the Spanish in the mid-16th century — in case any of Edwards’ fellow Europeans were struggling to put a place to the name.

Who will leave Utah (yes, UTAH) with the welterweight gold, Leon Edwards or Kamaru Usman?

Continue Reading Leon Edwards On Facing Usman In Utah: “Where The F*ck Is That?” at MMA News.

UFC Matchmaking Bulletin (6/13-6/18): Nurmagomedov, Fili, Battle Booked

MMA News has you covered with this week’s UFC matchmaking bulletin, featuring fights for AKA product Abubakar Nurmagomedov, TUF winner Bryan Battle, featherweight veteran Andre Fili, City Kickboxing’s Tyson Pedro, and lightweight prospect Nasrat Haqparast. With UFC cards being held most weekends, Mick Maynard and Sean Shelby have their matchmaking work cut out if they’re to fill…

Continue Reading UFC Matchmaking Bulletin (6/13-6/18): Nurmagomedov, Fili, Battle Booked at MMA News.

MMA News has you covered with this week’s UFC matchmaking bulletin, featuring fights for AKA product Abubakar Nurmagomedov, TUF winner Bryan Battle, featherweight veteran Andre Fili, City Kickboxing’s Tyson Pedro, and lightweight prospect Nasrat Haqparast.

With UFC cards being held most weekends, Mick Maynard and Sean Shelby have their matchmaking work cut out if they’re to fill them, meaning new bouts are confirmed each and every week.

In recent days, a number of huge fights were reported, confirmed or made official by the UFC and reputable sources. For more information on those matchups, check out the links below:

If you’ve had your fix of big announcements since last Monday, scroll down and check out this week’s matchmaking bulletin, featuring a number of bouts that may have flown under your radar between June 13 and June 18.

Abubakar Nurmagomedov vs. Phil Rowe – UFC Long Island (July 16)

Abubakar Nurmagomedov will be looking to finally make his long-awaited return to the Octagon at UFC Long Island, where he’s been matched up with Phil Rowe.

Nurmagomedov (15-3-1), the younger cousin of MMA great Khabib, bounced back from an unsuccessful promotional debut last time out with a unanimous decision victory over Jared Gooden at UFC 260. But since the March 2021 event, the Dagestani has been absent from the cage.

The 32-year-old was initially booked to face rising welterweight Daniel Rodriguez last July, but he was forced out due to injury. Now a year on, Nurmagomedov will look to pick up from where he left off when he faces Rowe (9-3) on July 16 in New York.

“The Fresh Prince” has gone 2-1 in the Octagon since earning a contract on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2019. After a debut loss to Gabe Green, Rowe brought himself to a positive record with victories over Orion Cosce and Jason Witt. He’ll look to make it three in a row(e) at UFC Long Island by adding the well-renowned Nurmagomedov name to his résumé.

This addition to the July 16 card was reported by Eurosport’s Marcel Dorff.

Jai Herbert vs. Kyle Nelson – UFC London (July 23)

Lightweight Jai Herbert will be joining the likes of Tom Aspinall, Paddy Pimblett, Molly McCann, Paul Craig, and Muhammad Mokaev as returning Brits on July 23. But while those names will be looking to record their second London victories of the year, “The Black Country Banger” will be targeting his first.

In March, Herbert (11-4) came close to a memorable upset victory over the unbeaten Ilia Topuria. But when the Georgian survived a first round in which he was dropped by a vicious head kick, he came out with violence on his mind, sleeping the Englishman early in the second.

While he’s faced tough competition since arriving in the Octagon, with his other two defeats coming against Renato Moicano and Francisco Trinaldo, falling to a 1-4 record next time out will be hard to bounce back from.

The man hoping to send Herbert to that promotional slate at UFC London will be Kyle Nelson (13-4). The Canadian hasn’t been in action since a knockout loss to Billy Quarantillo in September 2020. Having fallen to a 1-3 record of his own under the UFC banner, “The Monster” will be returning to lightweight on July 23 for the first time since a debut loss to Carlos Diego Ferreira.

Nelson confirmed this bout through his official Twitter account.

Bryan Battle vs. Takashi Sato – UFC Vegas 59 (August 6)

The latest test for TUF winner Bryan Battle will see him drop to welterweight to face five-fight UFC veteran Takashi Sato at UFC Vegas 59.

After defeating Gilbert Urbina last August to be crowned The Ultimate Fighter 29 middleweight victor, Battle (7-1) made a successful sophomore appearance in the Octagon in February this year, earning a unanimous decision win against fellow cast member Tresean Gore.

But despite his early success at middleweight, where all of his professional appearances have come, the 27-year-old is set to make his 170-pound debut on August 6. Looking to make it an unsuccessful arrival for “Pooh Bear” will be Sato (16-5).

The Japanese welterweight will enter his contest with Battle on the back off a two-fight skid, having fallen to defeat against Miguel Baeza in 2020 and versus the returning Gunnar Nelson at UFC London earlier this year.

While Battle will be looking to announce his arrival in a new division, former Pancrase title challenger Sato will be hoping to avoid an often fatal three-fight UFC skid.

This matchup was first reported by MMA Fighting.

Misha Cirkunov vs. Shamil Gamzatov – UFC Vegas 59 (August 6)

After an 0-2 run at middleweight, UFC veteran Misha Cirkunov is set to return to light heavyweight next time out, where he’ll hope to find form at the expense of Shamil Gamzatov.

Since wins over Ion Cu?elaba and Nikita Krylov helped him get off to a perfect 4-0 start in the Octagon, Cirkunov (15-8) has struggled. In eight fights since, the Latvian has gone 2-6, including setbacks against former champion Glover Teixeira, Volkan Oezdemir, and Johnny Walker.

After a 2021 loss to Ryan Spann, Cirkunov unsuccessfully tested the 185-pound waters, falling to further misery at the hands of Krzysztof Jotko and Wellington Turman. If he’s to avoid a four-fight skid, the 35-year-old will need to become only the second man to defeat Gamzatov (14-1).

The Dagestani entered a UFC 267 contest with Micha? Oleksiejczuk on the back off a two-year layoff, but with an unblemished 14-0 record in-tow. But after leaving Abu Dhabi with his first loss, which came via first-round TKO, Gamzatov will be looking to return to the kind of form that had him so highly touted upon his arrival in the UFC.

This August 6 bout was first reported by MMA Fight Universe.

Malcolm Gordon vs. Allan Nascimento – UFC San Diego (August 13)

The August 13 UFC Fight Night, set to go down in San Diego, will have some Canadian presence in the form of Malcolm “X” Gordon.

Gordon (14-5) had a tough start in the UFC, losing his debut outing to Amir Albazi, as well as his sophomore appearance versus Sumudaerji. But since a 44-second knockout loss to “The Tibetan Eagle,” Gordon has found form, winning consecutive fights against Francisco Figueiredo and Denys Bondar.

The former TKO Flyweight Champion will look to add a third straight win and perhaps a 12th career finish to his résumé when he shares the Octagon with the in-form Allan Nascimento (19-6).

“Pure Osso” had a tough debut assignment in the form of Tagir Ulanbekov. After falling on the wrong side of a split decision against the Russian, Nascimento found his way to the win column last month by spoiling the debut of the previously-undefeated Jake Hadley.

The 30-year-old will look to build a run of form when he meets Malcolm “X” this summer in a matchup that was first reported by MMA Junkie.

Tyson Pedro vs. Harry Hunsucker – UFC 278 (August 20)

With the main event contest between welterweight titleholder Kamaru Usman and challenger Leon Edwards confirmed, the UFC 278 card is beginning to take shape. The latest matchup to be added to the August 20 pay-per-view features light heavyweights Tyson Pedro and Harry Hunsucker.

Pedro (8-3) returned in style in April following more than three years on the sidelines. After showing early potential with wins against Khalil Rountree Jr. and Paul Craig, consecutive setbacks to Ovince Saint Preux and Mauricio Rua stalled his progress, the latter of whom Pedro lost to following a serious knee injury that left him requiring knee reconstruction.

After a difficult layoff, the Australian reminded the 205-pound roster of his presence this year when he viciously knocked Ike Villanueva out at UFC Vegas 52. If he’s to make it back-to-back in August, Pedro will have to go through Hunsucker (7-5).

After consecutive defeats to Tai Tuivasa and Justin Tafa at heavyweight, “The Hurricane” will look to save his place on the UFC roster with a venture to light heavyweight, where yet another Aussie will be awaiting him.

This Utah-bound matchup was first reported by MMA Junkie.

Nasrat Haqparast vs. John Makdessi – UFC Paris (September 3)

The UFC’s first visit to France is edging closer, and with it, a number of names are having their seats on the plane to Paris booked. The latest addition sees Afghan-born German Nasrat Haqparast meet Canadian veteran John Makdessi.

Haqparast (13-4) has shown glimpses of his potential in the Octagon, earning victories over the likes of Marc Diakiese, Alex Munoz, and Rafa Garcia. But after back-to-back losses to ranked contender Dan Hooker and 2022 main-eventer Bobby Green, the 26-year-old finds himself in need of a rebound performance next time out.

The man looking to send him on a three-fight skid instead will be Makdessi (18-7). “The Bull” has fought once a year since 2017, with his latest performance coming last April. Having edged a decision win against Ignacio Bahamondes in a memorable three-round war, the 37-year-old will look to deliver a similarly impressive performance when he makes the trip across the Atlantic on September 3.

This re-arranged bout, which was slated for February earlier this year, was first reported by Eurosport’s Marcel Dorff.

Andre Fili vs. Lando Vannata – UFC Fight Night (September 17)

An exciting featherweight matchup will go down on September 17 as UFC veterans Andre Fili and Lando Vannata collide.

“Touchy” Fili (21-9) has been a mainstay in the Octagon at 145 pounds since making his promotional debut in 2013. The 31-year-old has shared the cage with some of the best during his time on MMA’s biggest stage, including Max Holloway, Yair Rodriguez, and Calvin Kattar.

Having exchanged wins and losses throughout his UFC tenure, Fili finds himself in his trickiest position to date, winless in his last three. After a decision defeat to Bryce Mitchell and an unfortunate no contest against Daniel Pineda, the Washington native was given a short night at UFC Vegas 53 in April, with Joanderson Brito stopping him via TKO in just 41 seconds.

Vannata had a similar night at the office a week earlier when he met Charles Jourdain. A first-round submission loss to the Canadian meant that “Groovy” had failed to continue the momentum from his victory over Mike Grundy last May.

Now, having exchanged wins and losses across his last six outings, Vannata will be looking to build consistent form, starting against Fili on September 17.

This matchup was first reported by MMA Junkie.

Randy Costa vs. Guido Cannetti – UFC Fight Night (October 1)

Joining names like Vinc Pichel and Cheyanne Vlismas on the card, bantamweight Randy Costa is set to feature at the October 1 event, which is expected to be a UFC Fight Night.

Costa (6-3) is on a poor run of form, losing consecutive outings against Adrian Yanez and Tony Kelley, both via second-round TKOs. When he returns later this year, “The Zohan” will look to find his way back to the form that brought him a pair of first-round knockout wins against Boston Salmon and Journey Newson.

In his way of doing so will be veteran Guido Cannetti (9-6), who’s competed in the Octagon since 2014. The 42-year-old was 2-6 and riding a three-fight losing streak, including a defeat to Marlon Vera, heading into his last outing. Having likely saved his place in the promotion by stopping Kris Moutinho inside one round, the Argentine will look to make it back-to-back on October 1.

This matchup was first reported by ESPN Deportes’ Carlos Contreras Legaspi.

Who do you envision having their hands raised in these UFC matchups?

Continue Reading UFC Matchmaking Bulletin (6/13-6/18): Nurmagomedov, Fili, Battle Booked at MMA News.

Report | UFC ‘Working’ On Jose Aldo vs. Merab Dvalishvili For August 20. UFC 278 Card In Utah

Jose AldoThe UFC are reportedly “working” on potentially booking a high-stakes bantamweight matchup between the streaking contenders, #3 ranked, Jose Aldo, and the #6 ranked, Merab Dvalishvili for UFC 278 on August 20. from the Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah – as both look to move closer toward a 135lbs title shot.  Jose Aldo […]

Jose Aldo

The UFC are reportedly “working” on potentially booking a high-stakes bantamweight matchup between the streaking contenders, #3 ranked, Jose Aldo, and the #6 ranked, Merab Dvalishvili for UFC 278 on August 20. from the Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah – as both look to move closer toward a 135lbs title shot. 

Jose Aldo x Merab Dvalishvili is currently in the works for UFC 278

As per an initial report from Ariel Helwani this Tuesday night, the promotion are currently in the process of booking a bantamweight matchup between former undisputed featherweight kingpin, Jose Aldo, and Tbilisi native, Merab Dvalishvili for their August pay-per-view showcase; UFC 278.

“UFC is working on Jose Aldo vs. Merab Dvalishvili for UFC 278 on Aug. 20.,” Helwani posted on his official Twitter account. “Not a done deal at the moment, but that’s the current direction.” 

A one-time bantamweight title challenger, following a pair of losses to both Marlon Moraes, and Petr Yan – Aldo has since embarked on an impressive three-fight winning run, turning back the clock with a trio of impressive striking performances.

Headlining UFC Vegas 44 back in December most recently, Aldo, a favorite from Manaus, managed to score a series of knockdowns en route to a unanimous decision win over Rob Font.

The unanimous judging success followed prior one-sided outings against both compatriot, Pedro Munhoz, and fellow South American standout, Marlon Vera.

As for Dvalishvili, seven straight victories has managed to land him the #6 rank in the official bantamweight pile.

Following a pair of losses to kick start his UFC tenure, Dvalishvili, a trainee of Serra-Longo Fight Team, most recently handed common-foe, the now-retired, Marlon Moraes a second round ground strikes loss at UFC 266 in September of last year. 

A former Ring of Combat bantamweight champion, Dvalishvili holds a 15-second spinning back fist knockout win over current interim Bellator bantamweight titleholder, Raufeon Stots.