"They robbed me" - Merab Dvalishvili admits he never imagined becoming UFC champion after heartbreaking 0-2 start
Merab Dvalishvili defended his bantamweight title for the second time in 2025 as he defeated Sean O'Malley via third-round submission at UFC 316 this past weekend. It marked his 13th consecutive win after beginning his UFC career with back-to-back losses.
'The Machine' recently reflected on the beginning of his career, revealing that he never expected to become a UFC champion. Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Dvalishvili was asked if he believed this was possible when he first signed with the promotion, responding:
"No, it was impossible. I was just happy to sign with the UFC and when I had my first fight in UFC and I had some controversial loss and even judges robbed me, I was still happy that I made the UFC and I can tell one day my grandkids that I was fighting in UFC. Even I lost, I was still happy. And, especially, they robbed me next fight and I was 0-2, but I was still happy that I was in the UFC. I never imagine to me come to this part to ever become champion."
Dvalishvili continued:
"We know so many good fighters - they were great fighters, but they never become champion. There's many examples like this. So, it's very hard to break the top-15, top-ten, and then climb the ladder and to become champion and defend. This is very hard. I'm doing it, but I don't think - I just go step-by-step. I'm just focused on one fight at a time."
Check out Merab Dvalishvili's comments below:
Dvalishvili acknowledged that his 13-fight win streak has even surprised him. He claimed that if he had known he would have such a run, he would have told his cousins to use all of their money to bet on him. 'The Machine' added that he does his best in training and that he gives his all, even if he loses.
Merab Dvalishvili weighs in on potential Cory Sandhagen matchup
Merab Dvalishvili has revealed that Cory Sandhagen will likely receive the next bantamweight title opportunity. During his recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, he discussed the matchup, stating:
"He's a new style. We've never fought each other and we know there is no MMA math. The style makes the fight and Cory Sandhagen, he's a different style. We've never fought each other. It will be a test for me."
Check out Merab Dvalishvili's comments on Cory Sandhagen below: