
Former UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili has been named the Fighter of the Year by the American publication MMA Junkie. In 2025, the fighter recorded three successful title defenses.
Dvalishvili last fought Petr Yan on December 7 in the main event of UFC 323 in Las Vegas. Merab lost the bout via unanimous decision, subsequently losing his UFC bantamweight championship belt. His professional record currently stands at 21 wins and five losses.
Dvalishvili made his UFC debut in December 2017 against Frankie Saenz, a match he lost via split decision.


