Merab Dvalishvili Explains What Motivated Him After A Heartbreaking First Loss
Merab Dvalishvili is now at the top of the UFC bantamweight division, defeating every fighter in his path, becoming champion, and handing Umar Nurmagomedov and the Nurmagomedov family their first loss. While riding a 13-fight winning streak, he earlier revealed that he was once on the verge of quitting the sport. He has now shared that, after being heartbroken from his first loss, he found the motivation to keep going.
Talking to Daniel Cormier, the champ said that after losing the first fight, he took a break and reflected on his journey, realizing that even if he lost or didn’t earn from fights, what mattered was putting on good performances. He wanted to fight to make his country and family proud. His passion for the sport and his desire to enjoy fighting again pushed him forward, and he committed to giving it his all, no excuses.
“When I lost my pro debut I was heartbroken. And then I took a break and realized even if I lose, even if I don’t make money from professional fights. As long as I show good fights I represent my country, my family and I love this. I wanna do it then most because I didn’t want to make excuses,” he said.
🤯🏆 Merab reveals after his first UFC loss he gave up on the idea of becoming a champion and kept fighting just because he loved it.
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) September 24, 2025
And after his second loss via split decision Merab changed his mind and did whatever it took to win.
"Even if I lose, even if I don't make money… pic.twitter.com/e2LcQ73sTA
Since then, he has achieved the status of bantamweight champion, twice beating Sean O’Malley, Henry Cejuodo, and other legendary fighters. Following his fight with Cory Sandhagen, he now has his eyes on Petr Yan.
Merab Dvalishvili Wants To Return Again In December
Even before his next fight, the Georgian champion wants to fight Petr Yan in December 2023. He would like to have fought four times this year and considers Yan the undisputed number one contender in the bantamweight division. Dvalishvili is considering Yan’s chances of getting the opportunity for a rematch and title shot quickly thereafter.
By winning those fights, he has put himself in the position of being crowned champion, and his legacy is created, making his imprint as one of the best bantamweights and fighters of all time.
Merab Dvalishvili Explains What Motivated Him After A Heartbreaking First Loss
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