UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili has stated his intention to remain an active fighter despite suffering a broken nose. The Georgian fighter appears committed to not letting the injury sideline him for an extended period. Dvalishvili's comments suggest he plans to continue competing and maintaining a busy fight schedule. The exact circumstances of how the nose was broken or when he plans to return are not detailed in this report. His determination to stay active demonstrates his commitment to defending his title and remaining competitive.
UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili has made clear he intends to keep fighting despite sustaining a broken nose, signaling that the injury will not force him into an extended absence from competition.
Dvalishvili, known as "The Machine," carries a record of 21-5-0 and holds the bantamweight title while sitting at number two in the pound-for-pound rankings. The 35-year-old Georgian trains out of the Serra-Longo Fight Team and has built a reputation as one of the most relentless fighters in the sport. Standing five-foot-six with a 68-inch reach, he overwhelms opponents with volume and wrestling, averaging 4.33 significant strikes landed per minute and an extraordinary 6.4 takedowns per 15 minutes. His striking accuracy sits at 42 percent.
The circumstances surrounding how the nose was broken have not been disclosed, and no specific return date has been announced. What is clear is that Dvalishvili has stated his commitment to staying active and not allowing the injury to derail his schedule as champion.
Why it matters
- Dvalishvili is the reigning bantamweight champion and the number-two pound-for-pound fighter on the roster, making his availability a significant divisional concern
- His exceptionally high takedown rate and striking output make him a uniquely disruptive champion; any layoff could affect the division's competitive timeline
- A broken nose, while painful, is often manageable for fighters, and his public comments suggest confidence that the injury is not severe enough to require surgery that would force a prolonged absence
