Merab Dvalishvili wrestles journalist Nick Shirley at the White House

UFC bantamweight champion contender Merab Dvalishvili found an unconventional sparring partner on the eve of the UFC White House event, grappling with investigative journalist Nick Shirley on the grounds of the White House ahead of the June 14 card.

Dvalishvili, known as "The Machine," enters the occasion as the No. 1-ranked bantamweight and the No. 2 pound-for-pound fighter in the world. The 35-year-old Georgian carries a professional record of 21-5 and trains out of the Serra-Longo Fight Team. Standing five-foot-six with a 68-inch reach, he has built his reputation on relentless wrestling, averaging an exceptional 6.4 takedowns per 15 minutes across his career. He also generates consistent offensive output, landing 4.33 significant strikes per minute. Those numbers make him one of the most physically demanding opponents in the 135-pound division.

Nick Shirley, an investigative journalist rather than a combat sports competitor, was apparently willing to test those credentials firsthand. The impromptu grappling session was captured ahead of what figures to be a high-profile occasion given its unique setting.

Why it matters

• Dvalishvili's willingness to engage casually reinforces his reputation as a fighter who is always grappling, regardless of the setting or the opponent
• The UFC White House event represents a rare and politically prominent platform for the promotion, drawing extra attention to everyone in attendance
• As the top-ranked bantamweight in the world, Dvalishvili's visibility at such a high-profile occasion keeps the spotlight firmly on the 135-pound division