Picture this: a bantamweight champion so relentless that even the iconic Joe Rogan scratches his head, wondering aloud how on earth anyone could topple him. That's the buzz surrounding Merab Dvalishvili right after UFC 320, where the stakes in mixed martial arts just got even more electrifying!
This weekend's UFC 320 pay-per-view event showcased another chapter in Merab Dvalishvili's incredible journey to dominance at 135 pounds. In the co-main event, Dvalishvili outlasted Cory Sandhagen, securing his third successful title defense and inching closer to surpassing his teammate Aljamain Sterling's record for the most consecutive bantamweight title retentions. For beginners diving into MMA, think of it like a video game boss level – Dvalishvili keeps leveling up, and challengers are struggling to find the right strategy to defeat him.
But here's where it gets controversial: among the fighters eyeing a chance to halt 'The Machine's' momentum is a former two-time flyweight champion dreaming of conquering multiple weight classes on the UFC's grandest platform. We're talking about Deiveson Figueiredo, who just might have the blueprint to end Dvalishvili's reign.
Flash back to June's UFC 316, where Dvalishvili submitted Sean O'Malley in a thrilling finish. Commentator Joe Rogan, ever the insightful voice of the octagon, posed a question that's been echoing in fans' minds: 'What do you do?' he asked about taking down Dvalishvili. 'You're going to get tired. If you’re not that guy… everybody gets tired but him. It’s nuts. I know he says it’s just hard work, but is it really? It is, but what level of hard work? How many hours? The question is: is there a gameplan that would even work?'
Well, Figueiredo recently stepped up to answer that during an interview with MMA Fighting, right before his comeback bout at UFC Rio. After overcoming Montel Jackson in the co-headliner, the Brazilian star, known as 'Deus da Guerra,' is gearing up to demand a title opportunity against Dvalishvili. And he believes he has the secret to finally cracking 'The Machine.'
'I’ll definitely ask for a title shot — especially because, among the big names in the division, I’m the only one who hasn’t fought Merab yet,' Figueiredo shared. 'I hope I get that opportunity. If I go in there and deliver a great performance, that could get me a title shot. That’s what I’m after.'
He went on to explain his approach: 'The key to beating Dvalishvili is not being timid. Be yourself and make him back up, you know? Make him feel it, make him realize that on the other side there’s also someone who can hurt him.' For those new to the sport, this means Figueiredo plans to pressure Dvalishvili aggressively, forcing him to retreat and reminding him that he's not invincible – a strategy that could turn the tide by exploiting any fatigue or hesitation in the champion.
And this is the part most people miss: Figueiredo isn't the only contender vying for that coveted spot. Dvalishvili himself hinted at a rematch with Petr Yan right after his UFC 320 win, and Yan, fresh off a lackluster showing in their 2023 headliner, is eager to redeem himself against the Georgian powerhouse.
Meanwhile, Mario Bautista is adamant that he deserves the next crack at the title if he can defeat Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 321. 'I think it has to,' Bautista told MMA Junkie Radio when asked if another victory would secure him a championship bout. 'If you look at it, it’s gonna be nine straight wins. Getting this win and my last three performances — Jose Aldo, Patchy Mix, and then Umar — nine-fight winning streak, I don’t know what else you could possibly do. I think that’s exactly what Merab had. He had to really fight for that title shot. Hopefully he sees that and gives me that same kind of grace and we’ll figure something out.'
So, who do you think should step into the octagon next against Dvalishvili – Figueiredo with his bold, pressure-cooker plan, Yan seeking revenge, or Bautista riding a hot streak? Is Figueiredo's strategy of making the champion 'feel it' enough to dethrone an MMA legend, or is Dvalishvili truly unbeatable? Some might argue that the UFC's matchmaking is more about hype than merit, potentially overlooking deserving fighters. What are your thoughts? Drop your opinions in the comments – do you agree with Figueiredo's confidence, or do you see a counterpoint that could change the game? Let's discuss!
