Merab Dvalishvili’s wrestling has been the key to so many of his wins during an incredible seven-year win streak, but that’s not the only aspect of his game he plans to highlight against Cory Sandhagen.
This Saturday in Las Vegas, Dvalishvili goes for the third consecutive bantamweight title defense and 14th straight win when he takes on Sandhagen in the co-main event of UFC 320. Dvalishvili’s coach John Wood recently told MMA Fighting’s Damon Martin that the team is “not changing anything” in regards
to their usual takedown-heavy strategy, but Dvalishvili might have other plans.
“John Wood, whatever I do he will support,” Dvalishvili told Shak MMA. “I don’t think he will be mad because we’re really working at my hands… the fight starts standing and I think this fight 90 percent will be striking, so that’s why.”
Dvalishvili and Sandhagen are both regarded as well-rounded fighters, though Dvalishvili is inarguably more well-known for his dominant grappling, while Sandhagen has authored a number of highlight-reel knockouts during his rise to the top of the contender pile.
Of Dvalishvili’s 20 wins, only three have come by knockout, but that includes the fight that earned him a UFC contract. Back in June 2017, UFC boss Dana White was in the house for a Ring of Combat event in New Jersey, where Dvalishvili finished future Bellator standout Raufeon Stots with a spinning backfist. White signed Dvalishvili to a UFC contract that same night.
According to Dvalishvili, he also has several standout performances on the feet that don’t show up on any MMA databases.
“I have nine fights, which are not on my record, I have nine fights in Georgia and most of fights I was striking before I even came to the U.S.,” Dvalishvili said. “I go to the UFC, I was a striker. I mean, not striker, but I was going crazy.”
Prior to finally earning his title shot, Sandhagen fell just short against several future champions and contenders. However, he still has an impressive hit list that includes former lightweight champion Frankie Edgar, former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo, and bantamweight veteran Marlon Moraes. He also battled two-time bantamweight champion T.J. Dillashaw to a split decision in 2021, a bout that put Dillashaw on the sidelines for over a year despite edging out Sandhagen on the scorecards.
Suffice to say, Dvalishvili knows Sandhagen has plenty of ways to win once that cage door closes.
“He has a flying knee, he knocked out Frankie Edgar so bad,” Dvalishvili said. “Spinning kick, Marlon Moraes. He submitted Mario Bautista and he cut bad Song Yadong. He’s dangerous. He broke T.J. Dillashaw’s knee, he blew up Figueiredo’s knee, the guy hurts people and he’s dangerous, for sure. He’s changing stance, he has good cardio, he’s dangerous.”
TOP STORIES
Roundtable. Where does Alex Pereira go after UFC 320, regardless of the result? And does Cory Sandhagen stand a chance against Merab Dvalishvili?
What. Wanderlei Silva was knocked out COLD after getting himself disqualified in a bizarre boxing match. The attacker? His opponent’s son.
Streaking. Carlos Ulberg made it nine straight wins with a quick knockout of Dominick Reyes and if he’s next for the light heavyweight title, he knows who he’d rather face between Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira.
Whoa. Boxing king Terence Crawford held at gunpoint by Omaha police during traffic stop.
Pessimistic. Matt Browns warns Ronda Rousey will “get destroyed” if she attempts a comeback.
Chicken. Henry Cejudo thinks Jon Jones will win out and eventually convince Dana White to let him fight at the White House—though maybe not for the payday he’s hoping for.
VIDEO STEW
UFC Perth post-fight show with Mike Heck, Jed Meshew, and E. Casey Leydon (farewell, my friend).
UFC Perth post-fight press conference.
All the finishes from UFC Perth.
Man’s gotta eat.
FLAVOR IN YOUR EAR
On to the Next One. The Best Friends Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee figure out whether Carlos Ulberg has done enough to earn his title shot, plus. more matchup picks for UFC Perth’s big winners.
SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE
What a night.
Onward.
He really did it.
Could be.
MMA is supposed to be fun.
One step closer to Skynet.
With a friend like this…
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Gabriel Bonfim (18-1) vs. Randy Brown (20-6); UFC Vegas 111, Nov. 8
FINAL THOUGHTS
I’m sorry, what happened to Wanderlei???
EXIT POLL
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