With the conclusion of UFC 311 an interesting question arises; who is the bantamweight goat? Merab Dvalishvilli proved once again why he is the best in the world at 135 lbs. Out of all matchups on the main card, this was the matchup that stole the show. Merab’s relentless pace was the theme of the night.
The Bantamweight division has a rich history and there have been some great champions who can lay claim to being the most accomplished. There is a difference between being the most accomplished and being the best fighter in the division’s storied history. Bantamweight is host to champions such as Dominick Cruz, TJ Dillashaw, Aljamain Sterling, Renan Barao, Henry Cejudo, Petr Yan and Sean O, Malley. The lower weight classes generally possess more talent and is harder to maintain the throne.
By merit, Dominick Cruz is widely regarded as the greatest bantamweight with the greatest comeback in history when he beat another legend of the division in TJ Dillashaw. Dominick’s career was largely hindered by injuries that took most of his prime years. Aljamain Sterling on the other hand has the three most difficult title defenses in a row with wins over Petr Yan, TJ Dillashaw and Henry Cejudo. Quite a resume with name quality but isn’t without controversy. Merab has a chance to be remembered as the greatest fighter the division has ever seen if he hasn’t already laid claim. Bantamweight has evolved from the early days of fighters such as Dominick Cruz and Urijah Faber. Their pioneering efforts have contributed to the division’s popularity and growth after merging with the WEC.
Merab Dvalishvilli’s dominance cannot be ignored and while he may seem awkward in his approach, he continues to prove the doubters wrong. Merab has recently made history after breaking Georges St. Pierre takedown record, a total of 92 takedowns landed and has etched himself in the top 10 in longest win streaks in UFC history. He has faced all styles in the octagon and has continued to live up to his name the “machine” because no matter who stands across from him, he pushes the pace like no other. Dvalishvilli has won 12 in a row and arguably has the most impressive resume out of all the previous champions. His wins consist of Marlon Moraes, Jose Aldo, Petr Yan, Henry Cejudo, Sean O’ Malley and Umar Nurmagomedov to name a few. A combination of one of the longest win streaks in the promotion’s history, being a dominant champion, a record holder and an impressive resume is hard to deny.
Conclusion
There have been many legends in this division, and all have their arguments. Merab’s case may be premature but a few more big wins on his resume warrant him that title. In my opinion, there is not a single technical attribute that stands out to me in Merab’s game. It is Merab’s exceptional cardio and desire to impose his will that makes him the most unique fighter in Bantamweight history. Let us see how the Georgian’s story unfolds.
Bibliography
UFC 311 Pay: Merab Dvalishvili Earns Highest Reported Fighter Payout. Image retrieved from UFC 311 Pay: Merab Dvalishvili Earns Highest Reported Fighter Payout
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