Firas Zahabi, a well-known MMA coach who once trained Georges St-Pierre, has shared his thoughts on Merab Dvalishvili’s performance at UFC 316. The Georgian champion defended his bantamweight title against Sean O’Malley, and Zahabi is impressed by his unique abilities. The win showcased Dvalishvili’s strengths, drawing attention in the MMA world.
Zahabi highlighted Dvalishvili’s exceptional stamina.
“[Dvalishvili’s] cardio is unexplainable. There is no cardio routine known by any expert anywhere that does this… You can go and you can copy Merab’s cardio routine, you can go and follow him every day, eat everything he eats, do everything he does. It won’t give you that kind of cardio. I think it’s genetic. You could improve your cardio, but this man has genetics that must be studied. We need to put him in a lab, we need to study him, something is way different.” This praise underscores the fighter’s natural gift.
He also noted the progress in the rematch.
“[Dvalishvili’s] improved. He finished the fight, which is great for his career. I think O’Malley fought his heart out, looked improved. O’Malley went after it, he went for it, he didn’t stop fighting for one second. I think both men made great strides. Both men were more prepared than they were in the first fight, it’s just that Merab, he has too much cardio.” Zahabi’s words reflect respect for both fighters’ efforts.
Dvalishvili’s Journey from Wrestling Roots to UFC Champion
Merab Dvalishvili, born in 1993 in Georgia, grew up with a passion for wrestling. He moved to the United States in 2014 and turned pro in MMA in 2014. Joining UFC in 2017, he quickly gained notice with his relentless style.
He earned the bantamweight title in 2024 at UFC 306 by defeating Sean O’Malley via unanimous decision. His win at UFC 316 with a third-round submission marked his second defense, pushing his win streak to 13 fights. His record stands at 20-4, highlighting his rise in the sport.
Dvalishvili’s wrestling background and endurance have shaped his success. His consistent improvement keeps him at the top of the division.
Sean O’Malley, born in 1994 in Montana, entered MMA with a striking focus. He turned pro in 2015 and joined UFC in 2017 after the Contender Series. His knockout power led him to the bantamweight title in 2023 against Aljamain Sterling.
O’Malley lost the title to Dvalishvili at UFC 306 and again at UFC 316, bringing his record to 18-3 with one no-contest. The rematch showed his growth, though Dvalishvili’s stamina proved decisive. O’Malley’s next steps depend on his recovery and strategy.
Both fighters’ careers highlight their dedication. Zahabi sees a bright future for Dvalishvili, with potential matchups like Cory Sandhagen on the horizon for the champion.
