Sports
Merab Dvalishvili Downplays His Dominance: UFC Champion Ranks Himself No. 4 in Pound-for-Pound List

Las Vegas, NV, June 30, 2025, UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili has stirred conversation across the MMA world by releasing a surprisingly humble version of his own pound-for-pound (P4P) fighter rankings, placing himself outside the top three despite his dominant run in the UFC.
Following his most recent title defense at UFC 316, where he submitted Sean O’Malley in the third round, Dvalishvili solidified his place among the sport’s elite. The win extended his remarkable 13-fight win streak and confirmed his dominance in the bantamweight division. UFC’s official rankings responded accordingly, elevating Dvalishvili to the No. 2 position in the men’s P4P list, just behind lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.
However, in a move that shocked fans and pundits alike, Dvalishvili offered a different view of the hierarchy in a recent interview. He listed his personal P4P top four as:
- Ilia Topuria
- Islam Makhachev
- Alexandre Pantoja
- Merab Dvalishvili
This self-deprecation came as a surprise to many who view Dvalishvili’s resume and recent performances as second to none. Instead of basking in the accolades, the Georgian fighter humbly credited his peers, suggesting they had produced more impressive showings in recent months.
Dvalishvili, now 20-4 in his professional MMA career, won the bantamweight title by defeating O’Malley in September 2024. He has since defended the belt twice, first against Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 311 and most recently in his second dominant showing at UFC 316.
Despite his growing legacy, which includes wins over several top contenders and former champions, Dvalishvili refuses to rank himself above fighters like Topuria and Makhachev. He acknowledged their recent victories and skill sets as deserving of top billing in the global pound-for-pound conversation.
His modesty has earned admiration across the MMA community. One Reddit user remarked, “Humble guy, most people would probably have him at 3 and Pantoja at 4.” Others suggested his self-awareness only added to his appeal, with fans praising him for letting his actions in the Octagon speak louder than words.
Nicknamed ‘The Machine,’ Dvalishvili is recognized for his unyielding pace, incredible endurance, and a grinding wrestling approach that systematically breaks down his opponents. Over the years, he has evolved his striking and submission game, silencing critics who once labeled him one-dimensional.
Now being mentioned alongside legends like Georges St-Pierre, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Anderson Silva, Dvalishvili’s name is increasingly part of the “all-time greats” conversation.
With UFC 318 and 319 in the pipeline, fans and analysts are speculating about who Dvalishvili might face next. A trilogy with O’Malley seems unlikely given the lopsided nature of their rematch. A blockbuster matchup with flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja or a catchweight showdown against Topuria could serve as the main event of a major card.
Regardless of who is next, one thing is clear: Dvalishvili remains a fighter who leads with humility and backs it up with world-class performances. While others chase recognition and status, Merab Dvalishvili continues to chase excellence, and in doing so, may already be the best fighter in the world.