The Herd with Colin Cowherd Daniel Cormier Show - Merab Dvalishvili on Sean O'Malley, Cory Sandhagen, Dana White, Umar BEEF
Sep 26, 2025
Merab Dvalishvili, the UFC bantamweight champion known for his relentless fighting style, joins Daniel Cormier to share his inspiring journey from Georgia to the UFC. He reflects on his early struggles, including adapting to life in the U.S. without English and his initial setbacks in the sport. The conversation dives into his rivalries, notably with Sean O'Malley and Cory Sandhagen, as well as his hilarious antics outside the octagon, like jumping into frozen water. Merab also discusses how representing Georgia fuels his motivation in the cage.
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Pace Turns Into Strategy
- Merab's relentless pace and cardio are career-long traits refined into a strategic advantage.
- Enjoyment and confidence in the cage let him press opponents smarter rather than recklessly.
Fight For Purpose, Not Just Paychecks
- Keep fighting because you love it, not just for money or fame, to stay motivated long-term.
- Use representation of your country and legacy as a sustained source of purpose beyond earnings.
Early Beef With Petr Yan
- Merab held resentment toward Petr Yan after a hostile hotel encounter and because Yan is Russian, which touched on Georgia’s occupied territory.
- Over time Merab softened and now respects Yan's achievements and family life.