Merab Dvalishvili nearly set a UFC record with four-straight title defenses in 2025, but now it might be time for the former bantamweight king to take a step back and catch some much-needed R&R.
It’s no secret that Dvalishvili is one of the most durable fighters in combat sports today. Not only for his ability to wrestle and exhaust an opponent for 25-straight minutes, but also for his willingness to defend his title as many times as the promotion needs. This was never more true in 2025 when Merab
successfully defended his 135-pound title at UFC 311, UFC 316, and UFC 320, setting him up to make UFC history with a fourth defense at UFC 323 last month.
Unfortunately for Dvalishvili, he suffered an upset decision loss in a rematch with former UFC champion and perennial contender, Petr Yan. Dvalishvili didn’t quite look like himself in the fight — suggesting he could have been run down from a busy 2025 schedule — but “Machine” is not one to make excuses. Yan did what he needed to do and now enters the new year as UFC’s undisputed bantamweight king.
Earlier this week, former UFC champion and current color commentator, Michael Bisping, suggested that it might be time for Dvalishvili to finally take a break from fighting and let other bantamweights do the work. Bisping recommended a six-month layoff for Dvalishvili, but it may be very hard to keep “Machine” away from the cage for that long.
“I think if Merab takes some time off, maybe 6 months off, let Petr Yan fight Umar Nurmagomedov, and then come back and fight the winner,” said Bisping during a recent appearance on the Jaxxon Podcast. “Taking 6 months away, enjoying the spoils of his riches, enjoying his hard work, go to Georgia, spend time with family, eat some food, and don’t think about fighting.”
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