Merab Dvalishvili plans to remain active despite broken nose

UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili has declared he will not step away from competition despite dealing with a broken nose, signaling his intent to remain an active and engaged titleholder.

Dvalishvili, known as "The Machine," carries a record of 21 wins and 5 losses and currently holds the bantamweight title while sitting second in the pound-for-pound rankings. The 35-year-old Georgian, who trains out of the Serra-Longo Fight Team, has built his reputation on relentless forward pressure and elite grappling. He averages an eye-catching 6.4 takedowns per 15 minutes, complemented by a striking output of 4.33 significant strikes per minute, making him one of the most physically demanding opponents in the division at five-foot-six with a 68-inch reach.

The circumstances surrounding when or how the nose was broken have not been disclosed, but Dvalishvili made clear he has no plans to take extended time off because of the injury. His willingness to push through the setback is consistent with the relentless style that earned him the belt in the first place.

Why it matters

• Dvalishvili is the ranked number-one bantamweight and number-two pound-for-pound fighter, meaning his activity level has significant implications for the entire 135-pound division.
• An active champion creates pressure on top contenders and accelerates the timeline for a title shot.
• His grappling-heavy, high-volume style demands exceptional physical conditioning, making his commitment to compete through injury all the more notable.
• The bantamweight division will be watching closely for any official booking that follows this announcement.