FULL SEND PODCAST Merab Dvalishvili | Ep. 165
Aug 28, 2025
Merab Dvalishvili, the Current UFC Bantamweight Champion known for his unstoppable cardio and wrestling prowess, dives deep into the world of mixed martial arts. He discusses the mental pressures of maintaining a winning streak and prepares for his challenging upcoming fight against Corey Sandhagen. Dvalishvili shares humorous stories about navigating Chinese culture and language barriers, along with the intense reality of weight cutting for fighters. He also reflects on the complexities of retirement and the challenges of life outside the octagon.
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Unexpected Hospitality In China
- Merab found China cleaner and friendlier than expected and struggled with the language barrier.
- A shopkeeper refused to let him pay and locals shared beers, showing unexpected hospitality.
Prepare Specifically For Sandhagen
- Prepare smartly for Corey Sandhagen by studying his footwork and leg-attack tendencies.
- Be ready to adapt takedown and leg-defense strategies rather than relying on a single plan.
Disrespect Fueled The Umar Rivalry
- Merab felt Umar's disrespect made their bout intensely personal beyond the sport.
- That emotion fueled his preparation and performance against a top rival.