Ambassador · Guides
Merab Dvalishvili and Stake: The Rise of “The Machine”
A profile of Merab Dvalishvili, from a difficult UFC start to three title defences in 2025, and the content he has produced with Stake.
Published by The Gambling Desk ·
- Origin
- Tbilisi, Georgia
- Achievement
- Three title defences in 2025
- Stake relationship
- Documented since September 2025
Merab Dvalishvili is a former UFC bantamweight champion and a Stake ambassador whose collaboration has been documented since September 2025. The Georgian built his place at the top through the opposite of an easy ascent: two defeats to begin his UFC career, followed by a historic run based on a wrestling pace that few opponents have managed to match.
From Tbilisi to a New Life in the United States
Born in Tbilisi, Dvalishvili practised judo, wrestling and sambo in his youth. He later moved to the United States and joined the Serra-Longo team in New York. That move shaped his journey as much as his style: he had to build a professional career while adapting to a new country.
After several fights on the regional circuit, he entered the UFC in December 2017. His first two appearances ended in defeat, first by decision against Frankie Saenz, then in the final seconds against Ricky Simón. The rest of his career would give those beginnings particular significance: Dvalishvili did not change his sporting identity, but learned how to impose the one he already possessed more effectively.
A Run Built Fight by Fight
Victory over Terrion Ware in September 2018 began a long climb. Dvalishvili gradually raised the level of opposition and notably beat John Dodson, Marlon Moraes, José Aldo, Petr Yan and Henry Cejudo. Each step confirmed his ability to maintain the same activity into the final minutes.
His style cannot be reduced to the number of takedowns. He chains attempts together, forces his opponent to defend, immediately starts again after a failure and turns stamina into a tactical tool. The nickname “The Machine” describes this mechanism: repeated pressure rather than a single action.
O'Malley, Then Three Defences in Less than a Year
On 14 September 2024 at UFC 306, Dvalishvili neutralised Sean O'Malley for five rounds and won the bantamweight title by unanimous decision. He then defended the belt at an unusual pace.
In January 2025, he beat Umar Nurmagomedov by decision. In June, he submitted O'Malley in their rematch. In October, he dominated Cory Sandhagen over five rounds. Those three defences in a single year extended his run to fourteen consecutive UFC victories.
Petr Yan Ends the Reign at UFC 323
Dvalishvili accepted a fourth title fight in 2025 and met Petr Yan again on 6 December. This time, Yan controlled the exchanges more effectively and won a unanimous decision after five rounds. The defeat ended Dvalishvili's reign and his winning streak.
As of the verification date of 24 July 2026, the UFC lists him as an active former bantamweight champion. The profile therefore preserves the significance of his 2025 without presenting a belt and winning run that have now ended as current.
Georgia Remains Central to His Public Persona
Dvalishvili regularly enters the Octagon carrying the Georgian flag and speaks of his country as a source of motivation. This pride coexists with the sporting life he has built in the United States and with an often humorous public register made up of training videos, challenges and self-deprecation.
This combination sets him apart from a champion with tightly controlled messaging. His intensity during a fight does not prevent a lighter presence outside the cage, a dimension Stake explicitly highlights in its presentation.
Stake Documents Both the Fighter and the Personality
The collaboration was established by 15 September 2025 at the latest, when Stake published an exclusive interview with Dvalishvili before UFC 320. For that event, the brand also offered an activation linked to its two ambassadors fighting on the card, Dvalishvili and Alex Pereira, with a prize pool conditional on a finish taking place on the Stake logo.
Stake has also announced UFC content, analysis, VIP experiences and contests around Dvalishvili. These activations belong to his relationship with the brand; his journey in the United States, his camp and his Georgian identity remain elements of his own career.
FAQ
Does Merab Dvalishvili Still Hold the Bantamweight Title?
No. He lost the belt to Petr Yan by unanimous decision on 6 December 2025, after three successful defences during the same year.
What Content Has Merab Dvalishvili Produced with Stake?
Stake notably published an exclusive interview before UFC 320 in September 2025 and connected him with an event promotion alongside Alex Pereira. The brand also announces UFC analysis, content and initiatives for its community.