Merab Dvalishvili: The Champion Who Spars Before the Battle
UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili surprised everyone by completing five full rounds of sparring at the gym last weekend in Las Vegas, approximately nine hours before his title defense against Cory Sandhagen at UFC 320. Dvalishvili (21-4) defeated Sandhagen (18-5) by decision, in what was apparently his second five-round fight that day. During an appearance on the Jaxxon Podcast, UFC light heavyweight Khalil Rountree Jr., Dvalishvili’s teammate at Syndicate MMA in Las Vegas, revealed the unusual preparation of the champion.According to Wood, the five rounds are performed at a moderate pace, “around 70 percent.” Even so, it is an uncommon practice in the sport and, according to Wood, they are designed to be “tough, technical.” In addition to the five rounds in the gym, Dvalishvili also does a good warm-up in the arena before the fight. The 34-year-old Georgian usually does between three and five additional rounds with his teammate and former bantamweight champion, Aljamain Sterling, just before going out.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 spar six, and I had to stop him.
John Wood, head coach of Syndicate MMA
Dvalishvili is known for his relentless endurance. He secured 20 total takedowns in the fight against Sandhagen, which brought his career total to 117, the most in UFC history. He has already requested that the UFC schedule his next title defense in December.The craziest thing is the five rounds right before the fight. Aljamain brings a full helmet, and it’s a full workout in the locker room. Obviously, Aljo isn’t there to hurt him, and it’s gotten to a point on multiple occasions where I feel bad for Aljo, because Merab is just beating him up back there. It’s pretty interesting.
John Wood, head coach of Syndicate MMA
