Daniel Cormier believes Khamzat Chimaev should outrank Merab Dvalishvili in the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings. On August 24, 2025, speaking on “Good Guy Bad Guy” with Chael Sonnen, the former two-division champion argued that Chimaev’s success across weight classes makes him a stronger candidate for the No. 3 spot.
Chimaev rose to No. 4 in the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings after dominating Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319 on August 16, 2025, in Chicago. The 15-0 fighter trails Ilia Topuria (No. 1), Islam Makhachev (No. 2), and Dvalishvili (No. 3). Cormier insists Chimaev belongs at No. 3, saying:
“He should be No. 3. What it means, pound-for-pound, is your fight style transcends weight classes.”
Chimaev’s Multi-Division Edge
Cormier highlights Chimaev’s versatility.
“Khamzat Chimaev had success at welterweight at a very high level, was on the verge of a title fight, has to go up, becomes a champion there,” he said. “He beat Kamaru Usman, who was the champion at 170 at the time that he was working his way up the rankings. Because of those things, I think he falls right in line with Islam and Ilia Topuria, right in front of Merab Dvalishvili.”
Chimaev’s 2023 win over Usman and middleweight title win strengthen Cormier’s case.
Dvalishvili, ranked No. 3, holds a 13-fight win streak, including a submission over Sean O’Malley at UFC 316 in June 2025 and a decision over Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 311 in January 2025. Cormier noted:
“Merab has not fought in any other weight class,” suggesting his bantamweight-only success limits his pound-for-pound case. Dvalishvili faces Cory Sandhagen next at UFC 320 on October 4, 2025.
The pound-for-pound list measures a fighter’s skill across divisions. Chimaev’s undefeated run and wins at welterweight and middleweight give him an edge in Cormier’s view, while Dvalishvili’s consistent bantamweight wins keep him in contention.
