Merab Dvalishvili retains UFC bantamweight title

Georgian fighter Merab Dvalishvili successfully defended his UFC bantamweight championship belt in California, defeating Umar Nurmagomedov, who competed under the Russian flag.

In the first two rounds, Nurmagomedov appeared to have the upper hand, but Dvalishvili picked up the pace starting from the third round, putting his opponent under increasing pressure.

By the fourth round, Dvalishvili intensified his attacks, leaving Nurmagomedov unable to respond effectively. The momentum carried into the fifth round, and the Georgian was ultimately declared the winner via unanimous decision.

Additionally, Dvalishvili broke Georges St-Pierre’s record by achieving the most takedowns in UFC history, with a total of 92 takedowns across his career.

Dvalishvili first captured the bantamweight title in September of last year by defeating Sean O’Malley and successfully defended the title for the first time in his career with this victory.

With this win, Merab Dvalishvili’s professional MMA record stands at 19 wins and 4 losses after 23 fights. This victory also marked his 12th consecutive win.