That incredible Merab Dvalishvili engine, the one we all know makes him one of MMA’s all-time greats? Yeah, it was there, but it wasn’t the only thing that won him that fight in July. Against Henry Cejudo at RAF Georgia in Tbilisi, Dvalishvili dug deep for an extraordinary never-say-die attitude, pulling off an unreal comeback when it would have been far easier to just roll over.
The Heart of “The Machine”
Cejudo was straight up dominating. He was 8-0 up in their wrestling match, a tech fall looming, one takedown away from victory in front of his home crowd. But somehow, Cejudo snatched defeat from the jaws of victory, and “The Machine” showed us why he’s earned that nickname. This was pure championship mettle. Dvalishvili’s indomitable spirit sparked a relentless attack, wearing the Olympic champion down. “I was lucky because it was almost over,” Dvalishvili recalled, also thinking, “I don’t want to regret anything. I’ll try my best and take my time, even losing 8-0.” A desperation single-leg takedown in the second round, putting Cejudo on the shot clock, swung the momentum. He closed the gap to 8-5, then in the third, put Cejudo on his back for four of his nine total consecutive points. One last takedown sealed it: 11-8. “I was patient,” Dvalishvili said. “Wrestling is his world, he’s the Olympic champion for a reason, but my cardio is better. I tricked him and it turned into my fight. I got some points back and I was just pressuring him. I was happy, as I can’t lose in front of my people. Great moments and great memories.”
Eyeing a Third Win, But Staying Nervous
Merab has a chance to create more memories this Saturday in his RAF 12 rematch against Cejudo, a lightweight crossover championship bout in Cleveland, Ohio. He already beat the former two-division UFC champion by unanimous decision at UFC 298 two years ago. A win this Saturday would be his third triumph over Cejudo, but “The Machine” isn’t getting ahead of himself. He’s refusing to count that third win yet. “Henry realized the mistakes he made, and why he lost. I’m sure he saw some holes in my game and he’s going to make some changes,” Dvalishvili said. He admitted he’s “nervous,” respecting Cejudo’s wrestling prowess. “Even though a loss against him is no big deal, I still don’t want to lose. It’s going to be a very hard match because he’s so dangerous, such a good wrestler. If I fight him, I am happy, but this is wrestling, and even with the wrestling experience, I learned he’s so dangerous and that he can beat me. So I worry even more now after our RA.”
That kind of respect for your opponent, even after two wins and an insane comeback, tells you everything you need to know about Merab Dvalishvili. This Saturday’s RAF 12 lightweight crossover championship bout is set to be another absolute battle. Keep your eyes peeled, because Dvalishvili is not just looking to secure a third win over Cejudo, he’s also eyeing superfights and is even talking about fighting at 155 too. The stakes are through the roof for “The Machine.”
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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