The Machine's Momentum: Why Nobody Can Stop Merab Dvalishvili

At UFC 311, Merab Dvalishvili demonstrated that nobody in the Bantamweight division has a chance to take the belt from him, following his dominant win over Umar Nurmagomedov. Despite being technically out-skilled, Merab proved that his heart and cardio are far superior to anyone else in the division.

Nurmagomedov undoubtedly won the first two rounds, but he visibly gassed out, allowing Merab to take control and win the final three rounds. Remarkably, by the end of the fight, Merab didn’t even look tired. This bout saw Merab break Georges St-Pierre's record for the most takedowns in UFC history, with Merab now boasting an impressive 92 successful takedowns. His exceptionally high strike output ensures that every one of his fights is fought at a frenetic pace, often overwhelming opponents who succumb to his relentless pressure.

Merab, often referred to as "The Machine," has built his reputation on his unparalleled work ethic and relentless wrestling pressure, a style honed under the guidance of his long-time coach at Serra-Longo Fight Team.

Coming from the storied Nurmagomedov family, Umar entered UFC 311 with an unbeaten streak and a reputation as one of the most well-rounded fighters in the division. However, even Umar’s crisp striking and defensive grappling couldn’t hold off Merab’s pace. In the later rounds, the Georgian fighter shifted into a higher gear, leaving Umar unable to match the intensity.

This fight—punctuated by Merab’s record-breaking takedown in the fourth round—cemented his place in UFC history. The moment brought the crowd to their feet, showcasing the Georgian’s ability to consistently perform at the highest level. With 92 takedowns and counting, Merab averages an astonishing 6.46 takedowns per 15 minutes, the highest in UFC history. Combined with his ability to land over 150 strikes in a single fight, he embodies the term "high volume" like no other.

There appears to be no clear contender capable of dethroning Merab in the Bantamweight division. He has convincingly beaten all the top contenders, showcasing his dominance in every bout through his relentless wrestling. This was particularly evident when he dominated Olympic gold medallist Henry Cejudo. His victory over Sean O’Malley to claim the belt at UFC 306 shocked many analysts, most of whom predicted an O’Malley knockout. However, Merab's wrestling proved to be too much, earning him a unanimous decision win. As analyst Daniel Cormier noted after UFC 311, "I don’t think we’ve seen cardio like this since the days of Cain Velasquez. Merab is a nightmare for anyone in that division."

While Merab’s dominance is clear, historical comparisons to other champions add perspective. His relentless cardio and takedown pressure have drawn comparisons to Khabib Nurmagomedov’s suffocating grappling, though Merab’s ability to maintain an unrelenting pace sets him apart from even the most dominant champions in the UFC.

The one fighter who could potentially challenge Merab is Flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja. Pantoja, in his recent performances, has demonstrated an exceptional ability to apply pressure and possesses an iron chin, having only been knocked down by Deiveson Figueiredo. His Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is another standout attribute, with his scrambling ability being among the best in the sport. Pantoja’s aggressive forward movement and ability to scramble out of tough grappling situations make him a fascinating challenge for Merab. While Merab thrives on pressure, Pantoja’s high fight IQ and world-class grappling might give him the tools to counter the Georgian’s wrestling.

In terms of implications for the Bantamweight division, Merab’s dominance raises questions about its future. With Merab clearing out the division, will the UFC consider cross-divisional fights, or could we see new talent rise through the ranks to challenge "The Machine"? His dominance is such that fans and analysts alike are speculating about what’s next for both Merab and the Bantamweight division as a whole.

Merab’s achievements stand as a testament to his relentless work ethic and ability to adapt, but they also leave the Bantamweight division with few options. If Alexandre Pantoja steps up, the fight could be one of the most intriguing matchups in UFC history. Until then, Merab continues to redefine what it means to be a champion, with no signs of slowing down.