Merab Dvalishvili’s wrestling has been the important thing to so a lot of his wins throughout an unimaginable seven-year win streak, however that’s not the one facet of his sport he plans to focus on in opposition to Cory Sandhagen.
This Saturday in Las Vegas, Dvalishvili goes for the third consecutive bantamweight title protection and 14th straight win when he takes on Sandhagen within the co-main occasion of UFC 320. Dvalishvili’s coach John Wooden lately informed MMA Combating’s Damon Martin that the group is “not altering something” with reference to their common takedown-heavy technique, however Dvalishvili may need different plans.
“John Wooden, no matter I do he’ll help,” Dvalishvili informed Shak MMA. “I don’t assume he can be mad as a result of we’re actually working at my arms… the struggle begins standing, and I feel this struggle 90 % can be hanging, in order that’s why.”
Dvalishvili and Sandhagen are each considered well-rounded fighters, although Dvalishvili is inarguably extra well-known for his dominant grappling, whereas Sandhagen has authored a lot of highlight-reel knockouts throughout his rise to the highest of the contender pile.
Of Dvalishvili’s 20 wins, solely three have come by knockout, however that features the struggle that earned him a UFC contract. Again in June 2017, UFC boss Dana White was in the home for a Ring of Fight occasion in New Jersey, the place Dvalishvili completed future Bellator standout Raufeon Stots with a spinning backfist. White signed Dvalishvili to a UFC contract that very same night time.
In response to Dvalishvili, he additionally has a number of standout performances on the ft that don’t present up on any MMA databases.
“I’ve 9 fights, which aren’t on my file, I’ve 9 fights in Georgia and most of fights I used to be hanging earlier than I even got here to the U.S.,” Dvalishvili mentioned. “I’m going to the UFC, I used to be a striker. I imply, not striker, however I used to be going loopy.”
Previous to lastly incomes his title shot, Sandhagen fell simply brief in opposition to a number of future champions and contenders. Nonetheless, he nonetheless has a powerful hit listing that features former light-weight champion Frankie Edgar, former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo, and bantamweight veteran Marlon Moraes. He additionally battled two-time bantamweight champion T.J. Dillashaw to a break up resolution in 2021, a bout that put Dillashaw on the sidelines for over a 12 months regardless of edging out Sandhagen on the scorecards.
Suffice to say, Dvalishvili is aware of Sandhagen has loads of methods to win as soon as that cage door closes.
“He has a flying knee, he knocked out Frankie Edgar so dangerous,” Dvalishvili mentioned. “Spinning kick, Marlon Moraes. He submitted Mario Bautista and he minimize dangerous Music Yadong. He’s harmful. He broke T.J. Dillashaw’s knee, he blew up Figueiredo’s knee, the man hurts folks and he’s harmful, for positive. He’s altering stance, he has good cardio, he’s harmful.”
Roundtable. The place does Alex Pereira go after UFC 320, whatever the end result? And does Cory Sandhagen stand an opportunity in opposition to Merab Dvalishvili?
What. Wanderlei Silva was knocked out COLD after getting himself disqualified in a weird boxing match. The attacker? His opponent’s son.
Streaking. Carlos Ulberg made it 9 straight wins with a fast knockout of Dominick Reyes and if he’s subsequent for the sunshine heavyweight title, he is aware of who he’d fairly face between Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira.
Whoa. Boxing king Terence Crawford held at gunpoint by Omaha police throughout visitors cease.
Pessimistic. Matt Browns warns Ronda Rousey will “get destroyed” if she makes an attempt a comeback.
Rooster. Henry Cejudo thinks Jon Jones will win out and finally persuade Dana White to let him struggle on the White Home—although possibly not for the payday he’s hoping for.
UFC Perth post-fight present with Mike Heck and Jed Meshew.
UFC Perth post-fight press convention.
All of the finishes from UFC Perth.
On to the Subsequent One. The Finest Pals Mike Heck and Alexander Ok. Lee work out whether or not Carlos Ulberg has carried out sufficient to earn his title shot, plus. extra matchup picks for UFC Perth’s large winners.
SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE
MMA is meant to be enjoyable.
One step nearer to Skynet.
With a buddy like this…
Gabriel Bonfim (18-1) vs. Randy Brown (20-6); UFC Vegas 111, Nov. 8
I’m sorry, what occurred to Wanderlei???
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