Merab Dvalishvili‘s coach, John Wood, recently shared insights about the bantamweight champion’s bold UFC plans for 2026. Wood believes ‘The Machine’ will continue to push himself beyond his current achievements.
Dvalishvili has already successfully defended his bantamweight championship three times this year. He defeated Umar Nurmagomedov, Sean O’Malley, and Cory Sandhagen in impressive fashion. ‘The Machine’ is set to defend his title again at UFC 323, where he faces Petr Yan.
Dvalishvili is becoming more popular, thanks to his recent performances and his growing presence on social media.
UFC 323 could be a historic night and also a milestone in Dvalishvili’s career. The Georgian can become the first fighter in UFC history to make four successful title defenses in a single year.
During an interview with Home of Fight, Wood revealed that Dvalishvili is already planning for a busier 2026. The Syndicate MMA coach believes that five fights in 2026 is highly likely if Dvalisvhili defeats Yan.
“[Dvalishvili’s] got next year planned out. He already has when he wants to fight next and the fight after that,” Wood said. “This man is nuts enough, after he sets this record, he’s going to try to break his record next year. I know it.”
John Wood Reveals Merab Dvalishvili Already Returned to Training
Wood also revealed that Dvalishvili returned to training just days after his fight with Sandhagen at UFC 320. He won the fight via unanimous decision after an overwhelming performance. He dominated with his relentless pace and constant takedowns.
Even after a full 25-minute fight, Dvalishvili showed no signs of exhaustion. His incredible cardio has earned him praise from both his coach and teammates. They all speak highly of his unique training and sparring routine.
Wood explained that Dvalishvili flew out to New York to appear on The Ariel Helwani Show. Once he returned, he immediately got back into training at Syndicate MMA.
“[Dvalishvili’s] been back all week. He went to Ariel [Helwani’s show] live, flew back, had his [expletive] in the gym bright and early the next morning, and right back at it,” Wood told Home of Fight. “He landed and went straight to sparring. And so, we had his cage rounds booked, he called ahead and said, ‘I want these times, I want these people, let’s go.’”
He added:
“This guy doesn’t do things the way a lot of champions or a lot of people do things at this level. He does things that are just different.”
Dvalishvili’s Teammate Reveals He Sparred on Day of UFC 320
Dvalishvili’s teammate at Syndicate MMA, Khalil Rountree, revealed that the bantamweight champion sparred on the day of UFC 320.
Competing in a five-round fight is physically demanding for fighters. However, this didn’t faze Dvalishvili. He managed to spar five full rounds on the same day of his fight.
Speaking to JAXXON PODCAST, Rountree shared insights into Dvalishvili’s incredible work ethic. He emphasized that the bantamweight champion’s training habits are unmatched.
“At 12:00 p.m. on fight day, Saturday, Oct. 4, Merab sparred five rounds in the cage live on the day of his fight because that’s just who he is,” Rountree said. “Not even half a day before he has to be in the arena to put on the biggest fight of his career. That’s just him, you cannot make it up.”
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