Dvalishvili Retains Bantamweight Title with Grappling Masterclass Over Sandhagen at UFC 320

MIAMI, FL – Merab Dvalishvili, known as "The Machine," successfully defended his UFC bantamweight championship against Cory Sandhagen in the co-main event of UFC 320 on Saturday night. Dvalishvili’s relentless pressure, exceptional cardio, and record-setting takedown offense proved insurmountable for Sandhagen, culminating in a dominant unanimous decision victory with scorecards reading 49-45, 49-45, and 49-46.

The highly anticipated bout pitted Dvalishvili’s grappling-heavy, suffocating style against Sandhagen’s innovative and precise striking, creating a compelling stylistic clash within one of the UFC’s most competitive divisions. Entering the octagon, Dvalishvili, a native of Georgia, carried a formidable professional record of 18 wins and 4 losses, riding an impressive eleven-fight win streak that underscored his ascent to the pinnacle of the bantamweight division. His path to the championship was paved with victories over top contenders, showcasing an unyielding determination and a gas tank that often outlasted his opponents. Sandhagen, an American known for his unorthodox movement and sharp striking, came into the fight with a record of 17 wins and 4 losses, having recently solidified his title contention with notable wins against Marlon Vera and Rob Font. Both fighters represented the elite of the 135-pound weight class, with the stakes exceptionally high.

Prior to the contest, Dvalishvili had audaciously promised a knockout, a departure from his usual strategy of grinding his opponents into submission. This pre-fight declaration added an intriguing layer to the narrative, as observers questioned whether the champion would deviate from his proven blueprint against a striker of Sandhagen’s caliber.

From the opening bell, Dvalishvili appeared committed to his pre-fight vow. He engaged Sandhagen in striking range, attempting to go strike-for-strike with the challenger. Sandhagen, renowned for his technical striking and considerable reach advantage, capitalized on these early exchanges. Utilizing his length effectively, Sandhagen landed several clean strikes, demonstrating his ability to manage distance and find openings against a forward-pressing opponent. For approximately two minutes, the stand-up battle ensued, with Sandhagen appearing to have the edge in the initial striking exchanges, keeping the champion at bay with a varied attack that included sharp kicks to the legs.

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However, Dvalishvili soon reverted to his signature "bread and butter." Recognizing Sandhagen’s proficiency in open striking, the champion initiated a clinch, driving Sandhagen towards the cage. This strategic shift marked the beginning of Dvalishvili’s relentless grappling assault. While Sandhagen, known for his resilience and scrambling ability, managed to defend the initial takedown attempts and quickly return to his feet, the constant threat of being taken down became a defining feature of the round. Even when the fight momentarily hit the canvas, Sandhagen’s quick recovery highlighted his defensive capabilities. Despite his success in preventing sustained ground control, the champion’s unwavering pursuit of the takedown dictated the pace and rhythm of the contest.

As the second round commenced, Dvalishvili, seemingly having reassessed his strategy from the initial stand-up exchanges, intensified his grappling focus. He immediately sought to close the distance, initiating clinches and working tirelessly for takedowns. Sandhagen’s defensive wrestling was on full display, as he continued to fend off many of Dvalishvili’s attempts and swiftly scrambled back to his feet whenever the fight briefly went to the ground. However, the sheer volume of Dvalishvili’s takedown attempts created a critical opening for his striking. Sandhagen, preoccupied with defending the constant threat of a shot, found himself momentarily vulnerable. Dvalishvili exploited this, stinging Sandhagen with a sudden flurry of strikes that clearly hurt the challenger. Following up with ground and pound, Dvalishvili nearly materialized his pre-fight knockout prediction, dropping a barrage of punches that put Sandhagen in significant danger. It was a testament to Sandhagen’s durability and composure that he managed to regain his senses and survive the onslaught, escaping the round despite being visibly compromised. This moment underscored Dvalishvili’s evolving offensive capabilities, demonstrating that his grappling threat could be leveraged to create striking opportunities, making him a more multifaceted threat.

Entering the third round, Sandhagen showed signs of recovery and resilience, managing to find more success in the striking game. He moved fluidly, attempting to create angles and land combinations. However, Dvalishvili’s constant forward movement and unwavering grappling pressure continued to be a significant challenge. Even when Sandhagen connected with strikes, Dvalishvili absorbed them and continued his relentless pursuit of the clinch and takedown, denying Sandhagen the space and rhythm he needed to establish a sustained offensive flow. The champion’s ability to maintain a suffocating pace, despite Sandhagen’s efforts, began to wear on the challenger.

The fourth round saw Sandhagen find a brief resurgence, injecting a new sense of hope into his corner. After successfully fending off several of Dvalishvili’s relentless takedown attempts, Sandhagen began to land some impactful strikes. Overhand rights and uppercuts found their mark, cracking Dvalishvili and forcing him to absorb significant blows. This period of the fight showcased Sandhagen’s championship-level heart and his ability to adapt under pressure, creating moments of genuine excitement and suggesting a potential shift in momentum heading into the final round. The crowd, sensing a possible turnaround, responded with renewed energy, urging Sandhagen on.

However, any hope of a late-fight comeback was quickly snuffed out by Dvalishvili in the fifth and final round. The champion reasserted his dominance with an unrelenting grappling assault. He continued to pursue takedowns with the same vigor he displayed in the first round, culminating in a historic performance. By the final bell, Dvalishvili had secured a UFC championship fight record of 20 takedowns across the five rounds. This statistical achievement not only highlighted his exceptional wrestling prowess but also his unparalleled cardio and strategic brilliance in maintaining such a high output for 25 minutes. While Sandhagen managed to sting Dvalishvili with a late flurry in the final 15 seconds of the fight, it proved to be too little, too late. Dvalishvili had clearly earned the decision, leaving no doubt about his reign as the bantamweight champion.

Following the official announcement of the scorecards, a visibly triumphant Dvalishvili addressed the arena. "I am a machine," Dvalishvili declared, his voice filled with characteristic energy. "I feel like I’m just starting. Really, before I was just a wild fighter. I had a big heart, of course, but the technique, I’m just learning. My background is not freestyle wrestling; I’m a judo guy. My style was with the kimono and I had to change my style." This statement provided insight into the champion’s continuous evolution, highlighting his transition from a judo base to a more comprehensive MMA grappling style that has made him virtually unstoppable in the bantamweight division.

Dvalishvili has consistently voiced his ambition to be recognized as the greatest bantamweight fighter in history, and his performance at UFC 320 served as another significant step towards that goal. His post-fight comments also revealed his desire to remain active and continue building his formidable resume. "I want to be busy, Hunter Campbell and Dana White, if you have a spot in December, I would like a quick turnaround," Dvalishvili stated, directly appealing to the UFC’s top brass. "If not, I’ll keep getting better and somebody will be in trouble." This call for a quick turnaround signals the champion’s eagerness to solidify his legacy and maintain his momentum, presenting an interesting challenge for the UFC matchmakers in a division brimming with talent.

The victory over Sandhagen cements Dvalishvili’s status as a dominant force in the bantamweight division, extending his remarkable win streak and further establishing his unique brand of relentless pressure. For Cory Sandhagen, while a setback in his title aspirations, his resilience and striking prowess showcased during the fight ensure he remains a top contender, poised to challenge for the title again with a few more strong performances. The bantamweight division, with Dvalishvili at its helm, promises continued excitement and high-stakes matchups in the months to come.