Merab Dvalishvili is receiving significant praise and recognition in the lead-up to UFC 320. Despite holding two title defenses so far, the Georgian UFC champion is already being hailed by some as the greatest fighter the bantamweight division has ever witnessed.
Dvalishvili enters his upcoming title bout against top contender Cory Sandhagen on an impressive 13-fight win streak. Their highly anticipated clash will co-headline the star-studded UFC 320 card this Saturday in Las Vegas.
Even with fewer wins in the weight class compared to some of his champion peers, a former titleholder is convinced that Dvalishvili has already solidified his status as the bantamweight `Greatest Of All Time` (GOAT).
Aljamain Sterling: Merab Dvalishvili is Already the Bantamweight GOAT
Regardless of the outcome at UFC 320, former champion Aljamain Sterling firmly believes his teammate, Merab Dvalishvili, has already cemented his legacy as the greatest bantamweight fighter in history.
Sterling himself is frequently mentioned alongside legends like Dominick Cruz and TJ Dillashaw in discussions about the bantamweight `GOAT`.
Currently, Sterling holds the record for the most successful UFC bantamweight title defenses with three, a feat Dvalishvili could equal with a victory over Sandhagen.
“Regardless if Merab wins this fight or not, I think he’s the greatest bantamweight of all time,” Sterling declared on his YouTube channel.
“I might have the most title defenses in the UFC, but he’s on a 13-fight win streak. He’s beaten five former champions, even if one of them was a repeat. He also secured a finish in his last fight.
“I don’t think anyone has had a run the way he has.
“Yeah, there’s Dominick Cruz. There’s the run I had, there’s the run TJ had… But I just don’t think there’s anyone who’s done it the way that he’s done it in the UFC,” Sterling elaborated.
“Regardless if he achieves a third consecutive title defense or not, I consider him the bantamweight GOAT, and I believe a win this weekend will only further solidify that claim,” Sterling added.
Merab Dvalishvili`s Impressive Record Against World Champions
Dvalishvili consistently adds formidable names to his already impressive fighting resume.
His list of defeated opponents includes elite UFC champions such as Sean O’Malley (who he’s beaten twice), Petr Yan, Jose Aldo, and the former two-division champion and Olympic Gold Medalist Henry Cejudo.
Beyond the UFC, `The Machine` has also triumphed over other notable world champions during his career.
These victories include current BKFC flyweight champion John Dodson, former WSOF champion Marlon Moraes, former Bellator interim champion Raufeon Stots, and Brad Katona, a former BRAVE CF champion and the only fighter to win `The Ultimate Fighter` on two separate occasions.
