After defeating Sean O’Malley in their rematch, fans began labeling Merab Dvalishvili as the Bantamweight GOAT. With two successful title defenses under his belt, Dvalishvili already has his eyes set on what lies ahead. He remains focused on clearing out the bantamweight division before pursuing superfights or chasing a second title.
The Georgian fighter holds one of the most impressive resumes in bantamweight history, having secured wins over legends like Jose Aldo, rising star Umar Nurmagomedov, and former champion Henry Cejudo. With plans to dominate the division further, Merab Dvalishvili believes that once he clears out the bantamweights, his GOAT status will be undeniable. In a recent interview with Ariel Helwani, the reigning bantamweight champion said:
“Right now, I’m comfortable. I want to clean out my division. I don’t wanna chase too much. I’m good. I wanna defend my belt. I’m comfortable here for now. If I really beat everybody, then yes, maybe I will take some super fights. Or maybe I will go for the second belt.”
Merab wants to clear out the 135lb division before taking any super fights:
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) June 30, 2025
"Right now, I'm comfortable. I want to clean out my division. I don't wanna chase too much. I'm good. I wanna defend my belt. I'm comfortable here for now.
If I really beat everybody, then yes, maybe I… pic.twitter.com/BuVnLs3bZZ
‘The Machine’ also expressed his strong respect for Alexander Volkanovski, stating that, for now, he has no interest in facing him. However, fans believe that once Volkanovski steps away from the sport, Dvalishvili could make a move to featherweight in hopes of becoming a two-division champion.
Former Champions Say Merab Dvalishvili Could Eclipse Jon Jones And Islam Makhachev In Legacy
Merab Dvalishvili’s impressive bantamweight run has sparked GOAT conversations, especially after his UFC 316 win over Sean O’Malley. Former champs Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo believe that with another win, Dvalishvili could become the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter and even surpass Islam Makhachev and Jon Jones, citing their limited title defenses. On the Pound4Pound podcast, they stated:
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“Jones hasn’t gone through everybody in the heavyweight division, Islam hasn’t gone through everybody in the lightweight division, but Merab is about to go through everybody in the division and there’s no denying it.”
The Georgian fighter is currently ranked No. 3 pound-for-pound in the UFC, just behind Makhachev. A win over Sandhagen would strengthen his case for Fighter of the Year. The fight is crucial, as fans have seen Sandhagen’s strong takedown defense and technical skills.
Also Read: Alexandre Pantoja Shares Wild Fight Idea Involving Merab Dvalishvili
