Merab Dvalishvili Aims for Historic 100 Takedowns at UFC 320

What's Happening?

Merab Dvalishvili, a 34-year-old Georgian mixed martial artist, is on the brink of making history at UFC 320 in Las Vegas. Scheduled for October 4, Dvalishvili will defend his bantamweight title against Cory Sandhagen. He is poised to become the first fighter in UFC history to achieve 100 career takedowns, needing just three more to reach this milestone. Dvalishvili currently holds the record with 97 takedowns, surpassing the previous record of 90 held by Georges St-Pierre. Known for his exceptional wrestling skills, Dvalishvili has won 13 consecutive fights, including victories over former UFC champions such as Jose Aldo, Petr Yan, Henry Cejudo, and Sean O'Malley.

Why It's Important?

Dvalishvili's potential achievement underscores his dominance in the bantamweight division and highlights the significance of wrestling in mixed martial arts. Achieving 100 takedowns would not only cement his legacy but also set a new benchmark for future fighters. This milestone could influence training strategies and fight tactics within the UFC, emphasizing the importance of wrestling skills. For Dvalishvili, reaching this record could enhance his marketability and attract more high-profile fights, potentially leading to increased earnings and sponsorship opportunities. Conversely, Sandhagen's challenge represents a critical test of Dvalishvili's versatility and ability to adapt his fighting style.

What's Next?

The outcome of the fight will determine the immediate future of both fighters. A victory for Dvalishvili would solidify his status as a dominant champion and could lead to more title defenses or potential super fights. For Sandhagen, defeating Dvalishvili would disrupt his opponent's historic run and elevate Sandhagen's standing in the division. The fight's result could also influence matchmaking decisions and title contention dynamics within the UFC. Fans and analysts will be keenly watching to see if Dvalishvili can achieve the 100-takedown milestone and how this achievement might impact his career trajectory.