UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili announced his intention to remain an active fighter despite suffering a broken nose. The Georgian champion stated he does not plan to take extended time off due to the injury. Dvalishvili has built his reputation on an extremely high-volume fighting style and relentless pace, both in competition and his training approach. The injury appears to have occurred recently, though the exact circumstances were not detailed in the announcement. Dvalishvili's commitment to staying active aligns with his typically aggressive fight schedule and work ethic.
Bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili has declared he will not take significant time away from competition after sustaining a broken nose, announcing his intention to push forward and remain active despite the injury.
Dvalishvili, nicknamed "The Machine," holds a 21-5 record and currently sits atop the bantamweight division as champion, while also ranking second in the UFC pound-for-pound standings. The 35-year-old Georgian, who trains out of Serra-Longo Fight Team, has built his reputation on a suffocating, relentless style that few fighters in any weight class can match. Standing five-foot-six with a 68-inch reach, he averages 4.33 significant strikes landed per minute and an extraordinary 6.4 takedown attempts per 15 minutes — numbers that reflect the unrelenting pressure he puts on opponents from the opening bell to the final horn.
The exact circumstances surrounding the broken nose were not disclosed in his announcement, but Dvalishvili made clear the setback will not force him into an extended layoff. His stated commitment to staying active is consistent with a career defined by a heavy workload and an aggressive approach to scheduling fights.
Why it matters
- Dvalishvili is the reigning bantamweight champion, so any health update carries significant divisional weight
- His high-volume grappling-heavy style puts unusual physical demands on his body, making injury management a key factor in his title reign
- Remaining active could accelerate a title defense timeline, keeping the 135-pound division in motion
- At 35, balancing durability with his trademark pace will be an ongoing consideration for his camp
