Merab Dvalishvili Surprises with Unusual Pre-Fight Preparation
The UFC bantamweight champion, Merab Dvalishvili, has revealed an unusual preparation method that involves intensive training on the same day as the fight. According to sources close to the fighter, Dvalishvili completed five full rounds of sparring in the gym in Las Vegas, approximately nine hours before his title defense against Cory Sandhagen at UFC 320. Dvalishvili, known for his exceptional endurance, defeated Sandhagen by decision, in what was apparently his second five-round fight of the day. This information was revealed during an interview on the Jaxxon Podcast, where UFC light heavyweight, Khalil Rountree Jr., Dvalishvili’s teammate at Syndicate MMA, shared details about the champion’s pre-fight routine.Syndicate MMA head coach John Wood confirmed this unusual practice. Wood explained that, although sparring rounds are conducted at a slightly reduced pace, around 70%, they are still a demanding and technical workout. Wood emphasized that this practice is integral to Dvalishvili’s process and that, although it initially caused him nervousness, he now understands its importance. In addition to the five rounds of sparring in the gym, Dvalishvili also performs an intense warm-up in the locker room before the fight. The 34-year-old Georgian fighter usually completes between three and five additional rounds with his teammate and former bantamweight champion, Aljamain Sterling, just before entering the octagon. Dvalishvili is recognized for his impressive physical condition. In his fight against Sandhagen, he achieved 20 takedowns, raising his career total to 117, the most in UFC history. The champion has already requested that the UFC schedule his next title defense for December.This isn’t new. It’s funny that Khalil is the one revealing it. Merab has been doing this since I started training him [in 2020]. Every fight day, he comes in and spars for five rounds. He wanted to do six, and I had to stop him.
John Wood, Head Coach of Syndicate MMA
