Dvalishvili: Extreme Sparring on Fight Day! UFC Strategy Revealed

Merab Dvalishvili: A Champion with an Unusual Routine

The UFC bantamweight champion, Merab Dvalishvili, surprised many by doing five rounds of sparring in 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 this unusual practice.

This is not new. It’s funny that Khalil is the one revealing it.

John Wood, head coach of Syndicate MMA

John Wood, head coach of Syndicate MMA, confirmed this information. According to Wood, Dvalishvili has maintained this routine since he started training him in 2020. The champion even wanted to do six rounds of sparring, but Wood stopped him. Wood explained that these five rounds are performed at 70% intensity, which is still uncommon in the sport. It is a technical and demanding training.

The way Merab does it, it’s savage. He’s a real savage.

John Wood, head coach of Syndicate MMA

In addition to the five rounds in the gym, Dvalishvili also warms up in the arena before the fight. Generally, he does between three and five rounds with his teammate and former bantamweight champion, Aljamain Sterling, right before entering the octagon. Dvalishvili is known for his relentless endurance. In his fight against Sandhagen, he achieved 20 takedowns, which raised his career total to 117, the most in UFC history. He has already requested the UFC to schedule his next title defense in December.