Merab Dvalishvili Declares: “No Opponent Is Worthy Enough” – Inside the Machine’s UFC 320 Ambition

In the ever-intensifying world of mixed martial arts, few names have risen as rapidly and as relentlessly as Merab “The Machine” Dvalishvili. The reigning UFC bantamweight champion is not only defending his belt at UFC 320 against Cory Sandhagen, but he has also shocked the MMA world by boldly declaring that no opponent is truly worthy of challenging him. Even before stepping into the Octagon on October 5, Dvalishvili has already laid out plans for his next opponent — a statement that has stirred both admiration and criticism across the MMA community.

This article dives deep into Dvalishvili’s declaration, his unstoppable rise, the context of UFC 320, his rivalry with Petr Yan, and whether the Georgian champion’s claim of having no equal truly holds weight.

Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 320: Already Looking Beyond Sandhagen

Most fighters prefer to focus solely on their upcoming bout, but not Merab Dvalishvili. In a recent press conference covered by Vietnamese sports outlet Webthethao.vn, Dvalishvili confidently stated that after defeating Cory Sandhagen, he wants to fight again quickly — possibly as early as December 2025.

• He openly declared that Petr Yan should be his next opponent.

• He reminded the MMA world that he already defeated Yan in their first clash, breaking records with 49 takedown attempts, 11 of which were successful.

• He emphasized that Sandhagen is a respected fighter, but ultimately, Dvalishvili sees himself as two steps ahead of the division.

By making these statements, Dvalishvili positioned himself not just as a defending champion, but as an unstoppable machine who is planning title defenses months in advance.

Why Dvalishvili Believes No One Is Worthy

Dvalishvili’s claim that “no opponent is worthy” is not rooted in arrogance alone; it is backed by cold, hard statistics and performances.

A Historic Win Streak

• Currently riding a 13-fight win streak, Dvalishvili holds the fourth longest active winning streak in UFC history.

• This includes wins against elite fighters like Petr Yan, Marlon Moraes, José Aldo, Umar Nurmagomedov, and most recently, Sean O’Malley.

The King of Takedowns

• Dvalishvili owns the all-time UFC takedown record with 97 completed takedowns.

• His relentless wrestling pace has earned him the nickname “The Machine” — he simply never stops moving forward.

Champion Activity Level

• Unlike many champions who defend their belts once or twice a year, Dvalishvili is pushing for three to four defenses within a single calendar year.

• If successful, he would become the first UFC champion ever to achieve four defenses in one year.

These factors explain why Dvalishvili feels justified in saying that no opponent truly stands on his level.

The UFC 320 Challenge: Cory Sandhagen’s Slim Odds

Cory Sandhagen is no stranger to high-level competition. Known for his unorthodox striking and creative offense, Sandhagen has defeated names like Frankie Edgar and Marlon Vera. However, his track record against wrestlers is less convincing.

• He suffered losses to Petr Yan and Aljamain Sterling, both grappling-heavy fighters.

• His takedown defense, though improved, still faces a daunting test against a relentless grinder like Dvalishvili.

• Statistically, Sandhagen lands 5.6 significant strikes per minute, but Dvalishvili absorbs fewer than 2.3 strikes per minute thanks to his pressure style and clinch control.

The odds are stacked against Sandhagen, and many analysts argue that UFC 320 will serve more as a showcase for Dvalishvili’s dominance than a competitive fight.

The Rivalry with Petr Yan: A Story Not Over Yet

Despite already beating Petr Yan, Dvalishvili himself admits that Yan remains a dangerous opponent. In their first fight, Yan was outpaced but never truly broken. His crisp striking and takedown defense kept him competitive, even if he lost decisively.

• Dvalishvili knows that a rematch would draw huge interest, especially since Yan is still considered one of the most technically sound strikers in the division.

• Fans love a comeback story — if Yan wins a few fights leading up to December, UFC could market the rematch as a grudge fight.

• For Dvalishvili, defeating Yan twice would cement his reign and silence critics who claim his win was more about pace than dominance.

Media Reaction: Admiration or Arrogance?

The MMA community has been split in its reaction to Dvalishvili’s statements:

• Supporters argue that his confidence is justified. He has the numbers, the belt, and the consistency to claim that nobody is on his level.

• Critics argue that overlooking Sandhagen is dangerous, and that arrogance could lead to an upset. Some recall Anderson Silva’s shock defeat to Chris Weidman as a cautionary tale of champions who underestimated opponents.

Regardless of opinion, Dvalishvili has achieved one thing: he has everyone talking about him. In the world of sports entertainment, controlling the narrative is as valuable as controlling the fight itself.

The Bigger Picture: What Dvalishvili Represents for UFC

Merab Dvalishvili is not just another champion. He represents a new wave of fighters who combine:

• Activity: willing to fight multiple times per year.

• Durability: rarely hurt, always pressuring.

• Marketability: outspoken, confident, and entertaining.

In an era where UFC struggles to keep champions active, Dvalishvili is a promoter’s dream. His “no opponent is worthy” statement may sound arrogant, but it also sets up future pay-per-view headliners.

Conclusion: Is Merab Truly Untouchable?

As UFC 320 approaches, the MMA world watches with anticipation. Merab Dvalishvili’s claim that no opponent is worthy enough could either age like gold — if he dominates Sandhagen and steamrolls Yan again — or come back to haunt him should he stumble.

One thing is certain: Dvalishvili has already transcended the role of champion. He has become a narrative driver, a history chaser, and perhaps the most relentless competitor UFC has seen in years.

At UFC 320, fans won’t just be watching a fight. They’ll be watching a man attempting to prove that his bold words are not arrogance, but destiny.