Merab Dvalishvili and Frankie Edgar will face each other at RAF 09 in Dallas on May 30. The bout joins a card previously announced to be headlined by Gable Steveson versus Alexander Romanov. This matchup represents a significant test for both fighters in what promises to be an interesting stylistic clash. The event continues to build momentum with the addition of notable names. Dvalishvili, a top bantamweight contender, will face the former lightweight champion Edgar in what could be a high-profile contest.
Merab Dvalishvili and Frankie Edgar are set to meet at RAF 09 in Dallas on May 30, joining a card already headlined by Gable Steveson versus Alexander Romanov.
Dvalishvili, known as "The Machine," enters the contest as one of the sport's premier bantamweights. The 35-year-old Georgian carries a 21-5-0 record and holds the number-one ranking in the bantamweight division, along with the number-two spot in the pound-for-pound standings. Training out of the Serra-Longo Fight Team, Dvalishvili is a relentless pressure fighter who averages 6.4 takedowns per 15 minutes and 4.33 significant strikes landed per minute, making him one of the most active and smothering wrestlers in the 135-pound class.
Across from him stands Frankie "The Answer" Edgar, the former lightweight champion who needs little introduction despite standing at 44 years old. The New Jersey native trains with Ricardo Almeida Jiu-Jitsu and holds a career record of 23-11-1. Edgar, who shares the same five-foot-six height and 68-inch reach as Dvalishvili, averages 3.77 significant strikes per minute and 2.29 takedowns per 15 minutes, reflecting the well-rounded, scrappy style that defined his championship run.
Why it matters
- Dvalishvili's number-one bantamweight ranking gives this fight clear divisional weight, even across weight class lines
- Edgar's grappling pedigree and durability make him a credible stylistic challenge despite the experience gap between them
- The bout adds significant marquee value to a RAF 09 card already featuring heavyweight Alexander Romanov, who owns a 19-3-0 record, against decorated amateur wrestler Gable Steveson
