UPDATE: UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili showcased his extraordinary dedication by sparring for five full rounds just hours before his title defense against Cory Sandhagen at UFC 320 in Las Vegas. This intense training session took place approximately nine hours before Dvalishvili’s fight at T-Mobile Arena, where he ultimately defeated Sandhagen in a commanding decision victory on Saturday.
Dvalishvili, holding a professional record of 21-4, displayed his relentless fighting style by executing a staggering 20 takedowns against Sandhagen, elevating his career total to 117 takedowns, the most in UFC history. His performance not only solidified his status as champion but also demonstrated the unique training regimen that sets him apart from competitors.
During an appearance on the Jaxxon Podcast, Khalil Rountree Jr., a light heavyweight fighter and teammate at Syndicate MMA, revealed that Dvalishvili routinely participates in intense sparring sessions on fight day. John Wood, the head coach at Syndicate MMA, confirmed this unusual practice to ESPN, stating, “Merab has done this ever since I started training him in 2020. Every fight day, he goes in and spars for five rounds.”
Wood elaborated that while the sparring sessions are conducted at about 70 percent intensity, they are still grueling. He noted, “I used to get nervous doing this on fight day, until I realized it’s just part of his process.”
Even after the five rounds in the gym, Dvalishvili continues to prepare with additional rounds in the locker room before entering the arena. His longtime teammate and former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling joins him for another three to five rounds of sparring, adding to the intensity. Wood humorously remarked, “The crazier thing is the five rounds right before he fights. Aljamain brings full head gear, and it’s a full go in the locker room.”
Dvalishvili’s energy and relentless cardio have made him a formidable champion in the octagon. Following his victory over Sandhagen, he has already requested the UFC to schedule his next title defense for December, showing no signs of slowing down.
As the MMA community buzzes with excitement over Dvalishvili’s latest triumph, fans are eager to see what this relentless champion will achieve next. Keep an eye on the developments from the UFC as they unfold.